Nigeria Labor Congress members, including Joe Ajaero and civil society allies, gather for protests against insecurity despite government talks.
Members of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) assembled at the NLC Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday December 16, 2025, to launch nationwide protests over escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
The gathering brought together top labor leaders, civil society activists, and pro-democracy campaigners, including NLC President Joe Ajaero and Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now Movement. Their collective presence signals the union’s determination to press the government on security concerns affecting citizens nationwide.
Security forces, including police, civil defense officers, and officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), were deployed at the NLC Secretariat to maintain order during the demonstrations.
The protests follow a high-level meeting between the NLC leadership and President Bola Tinubu on the evening of Monday December 15, 2025, at the State House in Abuja. The government reportedly aimed to convince labor leaders to postpone the nationwide protest, citing ongoing efforts to address security challenges.
Leading the delegation, Joe Ajaero met with President Tinubu alongside other prominent officials, including APC Governors’ Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and Minister of State for Labor, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
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After the meeting, Ajaero avoided confirming whether the protests would be canceled or rescheduled. “If I’m insisting [on proceeding with the strike], I’m not insisting. I will communicate to you,” he said, emphasizing that labor decisions are collective rather than determined by a single individual. “Let’s go back now… digest all that Mr. President said to us, and move forward from there,” he added.
The NLC’s action reflects growing frustration among Nigerian workers and citizens who have witnessed a surge in kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent crimes across the country. By mobilizing members nationwide, the union aims to amplify public pressure on the federal government to implement stronger security measures.
Civil society allies, including members of the Revolution Now Movement, have expressed solidarity with the labor union, framing the protest as part of a broader call for government accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.
As of Tuesday afternoon, NLC members were still gathering at the Secretariat, with organizers promising to sustain the protest in accordance with decisions made collectively by union leadership. Observers say the demonstrations could influence ongoing security policy discussions at the federal level.
