The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced a nationwide peaceful protest today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to voice deep concerns over the escalating insecurity in the country. The labour union has issued a stern warning that any attack on its members or other peaceful demonstrators will trigger an immediate and indefinite nationwide strike, effectively shutting down the country.
Credible Intelligence of Planned Disruption
In a strongly worded statement released ahead of the protest, the NLC revealed it had received "credible and disturbing intelligence" about plans to violently disrupt the demonstrations. The Congress alleged that armed thugs and political hirelings were being mobilized to infiltrate and attack the peaceful gatherings.
The statement was signed by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah. He emphasized that the protest, tagged "National Day of Protest and Mourning," is a legitimate and democratic response by workers and citizens to the government's perceived failure to protect lives and property.
Ultimatum: An Attack Means Total Shutdown
The NLC's warning was unequivocal. Comrade Upah declared that should any worker or citizen be harmed during the protest, the Congress would not hesitate to declare a comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike.
"All wheels of production, all services, and every sector of the national economy will be shut down completely and indefinitely," the statement read. It further accused the ruling class of revealing "undemocratic tendencies" by attempting to crush peaceful dissent against their failures.
The labour centre framed the protest as more than just a procession, describing it as "a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security."
Background: A Nation in Mourning
The NLC expressed profound regret over the state of the nation, highlighting the widespread incidents that prompted the action:
- Rampant killings and kidnappings across communities.
- Abductions and violent attacks becoming commonplace.
- Teachers, farmers, miners, and artisans increasingly becoming victims.
- A perceived atmosphere of government indifference to the plight of citizens.
The Congress stated that any attempt to violently repress the protest would be considered an act of terrorism against Nigerian citizens and a direct declaration of war on the working class and its allies.
The NLC confirmed it had formally notified security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, about the peaceful nature of the protest. It reminded them of their constitutional duty to protect the protesters and uphold the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
Finally, the NLC called on all participants—including workers, the unemployed, students, and traders—to remain calm, disciplined, and peaceful, while standing firm against any form of intimidation or provocation.
