Workers across three states in Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions took a bold stand on Thursday, December 18, 2025, joining a nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the country's escalating security crisis.
Enugu Metropolis Brought to a Standstill
In Enugu State, the protest significantly disrupted activities in the metropolis for several hours. Placard-carrying members of the NLC marched in unison, following directives from the union's national leadership. The demonstration was led by the State Chairman, Fabian Nwigbo, who voiced deep concern over the pervasive threat to life and property nationwide.
As they marched and chanted solidarity songs, their placards delivered stark messages: “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries.” The protesters demanded concrete action from the government, calling for the protection of schools and citizens beyond mere rhetoric.
Addressing the crowd, Nwigbo expressed profound disappointment, stating that in today's Nigeria, “cows are safer than humans.” He stressed that the climate of fear has enveloped everyone, including security personnel. He lamented how insecurity cripples every sector—students, teachers, workers, farmers, travellers, and politicians—and reiterated that ensuring citizen safety is the government's primary duty.
Rivers State Workers March to Government House
In a related development, members of the Rivers State chapter of the NLC also poured into the streets of Port Harcourt. Led by Alex Agwanwor, the procession began from the NLC office on D-Line and proceeded to the Government House. There, they submitted a formal letter of grievance to the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Agwanwor highlighted how pervasive insecurity has bred fear, caused job losses, and created general uncertainty, affecting all facets of daily life. He called for immediate government intervention to restore peace and hope. “Most of our workers, family members and children are being kidnapped. We have suffered so much,” he stated, urging authorities to step up actions to secure lives and property, even as he acknowledged some ongoing efforts.
Ebonyi Labour Accuses Government of Misplaced Priorities
Similarly, in Ebonyi State, protesting labour union members directed their frustration at the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. They accused the federal government of not doing enough to protect citizens, while allegedly focusing more on political and electoral ambitions.
The workers marched through major streets, singing solidarity songs that echoed their dissatisfaction with the reign of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and incessant killings. The protest saw participation from other affiliated unions, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, led by Samson Nwafor.
The coordinated protests across these three states underscore a growing national impatience. The core message from the workers is clear: the government must move beyond talks and implement decisive, effective strategies to curb the insecurity that is strangling the nation's socio-economic life and traumatizing its populace.
