President Bola Tinubu took swift action on Tuesday night, convening a crucial meeting with labour leaders and state governors in a bid to address growing tensions over a planned nationwide protest against insecurity.
Late-Night Summit at the State House
The meeting, which commenced at the State House in Abuja at approximately 11:27 PM, brought together key figures from both government and organised labour. According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the gathering was a direct response to the protest action scheduled for December 17, 2025.
Representing the government were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma; the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris; and the Minister of State for Labour, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) delegation was led by its National Chairman, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Labour's Stance and Federal Workers' Backing
The planned demonstration has garnered significant support, most notably from the Federal Workers Forum (FWF). In a powerful statement released last week, the FWF declared its full backing for the NLC's action, labelling it a "national assignment" critical to the country's survival.
The statement, signed by National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze, Secretary-General Comrade Ayo Ogundele, and Mobilisation Officer Aliyu Ibrahim, called on all Nigerians to join the solidarity protest. "This protest is not for workers alone; it is a duty for our collective survival," the forum asserted.
The FWF outlined a damning list of grievances driving the protest, including:
- Worsening insecurity across the nation.
- Perceived poor governance and dilapidated public services.
- The harsh economic realities facing citizens.
- Unresolved wage arrears for federal workers.
"Nigeria is now like a state of nature; uncertainty and fear have become the hallmark of our daily lives. Governance has reached the lowest ebb," the statement read, capturing a mood of pervasive frustration.
Specific Demands and Call for Unity
Beyond the general outcry over insecurity, the labour forum presented concrete demands to the federal government. A primary issue is the settlement of outstanding three-month wage arrears owed to federal workers since May 2023. The FWF insisted this backlog must be cleared before the end of December 2025.
The statement also criticised the government's handling of strikes in the public sector, noting that health workers and educators have been left unsupported. In a significant move, the FWF called on the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to unite with the NLC for the protest. "It is necessary for the NLC and TUC to work together in solidarity to lead our people toward redemption," Emelieze emphasised.
As a symbol of ongoing dissent, the forum proposed that workers adopt wearing black attire on Mondays to signal their dissatisfaction with the nation's deteriorating conditions.
The late-night dialogue between President Tinubu's administration and labour leaders marks a critical juncture. Whether the talks will lead to tangible actions addressing the deep-seated issues of insecurity and worker welfare, or merely postpone the planned mass action, remains to be seen as the December 17 protest date looms.
