NLC Protests Expose Insecurity Concerns in Lagos, Abuja

By John Pranay (Editor)

Nigeria's labour union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), held nationwide protests in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, over concerns about rising insecurity and deteriorating economic conditions. The protests, which began on December 18, 2025, saw thousands of workers converge on key locations, including the Labour House in Abuja and the Lagos House of Assembly. The demonstrations were peaceful, with participants chanting solidarity songs and carrying banners. The NLC has called for urgent government action to address the security situation, which it says is taking a toll on citizens financially and socially.

The protests were sparked by a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and labour leaders on Tuesday night, which failed to resolve the issues raised by the union. Despite the meeting, the NLC proceeded with the protest, citing the need to push the government to take action. The union has been critical of the federal government's handling of security, citing the withdrawal of security personnel ahead of attacks and calling for accountability. The NLC has also highlighted broader labour grievances, including unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, the rising cost of living, and the impact of insecurity on workers' safety, productivity, and livelihoods.

Key actors involved in the protests include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), President Bola Tinubu, and various state governors. The NLC has been joined by other labour unions, including the Joint Health Sector Unions, Nigerian Union of Teachers, and National Union of Electricity Employees. The protests have also drawn the attention of civil society activists, including Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now Movement.

• December 4, 2025: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) holds its National Executive Council meeting, which condemns the withdrawal of security personnel ahead of attacks and calls for accountability.

• December 10, 2025: The NLC circulates a notice to its state chapters, urging members to conduct themselves responsibly during the planned protest.

• December 16, 2025: President Bola Tinubu meets with labour leaders in an effort to avert the demonstration.

• December 18, 2025: The NLC proceeds with the nationwide protest, despite the meeting with President Tinubu.

The protests have significant humanitarian implications, with the NLC highlighting the impact of insecurity on workers' safety, productivity, and livelihoods. The demonstrations also have the potential to affect voters and civilians, particularly in areas where the security situation is already fragile. Internationally, the protests may trigger alliances and responses from other countries, particularly in the context of the global economic crisis.

Several risks could escalate the situation:

• Regulatory risks: The protests may lead to clashes between protesters and security forces, potentially resulting in injuries or fatalities.

• Financial risks: The demonstrations may disrupt economic activity, particularly in the context of the global economic crisis.

• Physical risks: The protests may lead to property damage or destruction, particularly if protesters clash with security forces.

The situation will continue to unfold in the coming days, with several key dates to watch:

• December 20, 2025: The NLC may announce further actions or protests in response to the government's response to the demonstrations.

• December 25, 2025: The Christmas holiday may provide a brief respite from the protests, but the situation remains volatile.

• January 2026: The NLC may hold further protests or demonstrations in response to the government's handling of security and economic issues.

Q: What is the main reason for the NLC's protests?

A: The NLC is protesting the rising insecurity and deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria, which it says is taking a toll on citizens financially and socially.

Q: What is the government's response to the protests?

A: President Bola Tinubu met with labour leaders in an effort to avert the demonstration, but the NLC proceeded with the protest, citing the need to push the government to take action.

Q: What are the potential consequences of the protests?

A: The protests may lead to clashes between protesters and security forces, potentially resulting in injuries or fatalities, and may disrupt economic activity, particularly in the context of the global economic crisis.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Bearish.

1. PHOTOS: NLC members protest in Lagos, Abuja over 'nationwide' insecurity — https://www.thecable.ng/photos-nlc-members-protest-in-lagos-abuja-over-nationwide-insecurity/

2. In Pictures: Tinubu talks fail as NLC proceeds with nationwide protest over insecurity — https://guardian.ng/news/in-pictures-tinubu-talks-fail-as-nlc-proceeds-with-nationwide-protest-over-insecurity/

3. Labour Union Protests: NLC Protests Against Insecurity, Calls for Urgent Government Action — https://www.wionews.com/videos/labour-union-protests-nlc-protests-against-insecurity-calls-for-urgent-government-action-1766047729466

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.