President Bola Tinubu has assured the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that his administration is deploying additional measures to confront the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation. This assurance was delivered during a crucial meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday night, December 17, 2025.
Last-Ditch Meeting Fails to Halt Protests
The presidential engagement was a final attempt to persuade the labour union to call off its planned nationwide demonstration over the deteriorating security situation and economic hardship. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed the details of the discussion in the early hours of Wednesday, following a subsequent meeting with a federal government delegation.
This second meeting was led by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma. He was accompanied by Kebbi State Governor Nasiru Idris, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Tinubu's Confidence and January Follow-Up
According to Ajaero, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence that the security challenges would be brought under control in the near future. "Mr President was emphatic that the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past very soon and that he is taking extra steps to take care of it," the labour leader stated.
The discussions also extended to what Ajaero termed "financial insecurity," highlighting the plight of poorly paid and underfed workers. The President asserted that his policies have set Nigeria on a path to prosperity. Both parties agreed to reconvene in January 2026 to address outstanding concerns, particularly those affecting the working class.
Protests Proceed Despite Dialogue
Despite the high-level dialogues, the NLC proceeded with its protest actions on Wednesday, with significant demonstrations recorded in Lagos and Abuja. The union members demanded urgent government action to address the twin crises of insecurity and the soaring cost of living.
The NLC had cited several tragic incidents to justify the protest, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, an attack that also resulted in the killing of two school staff members. The union strongly criticised the alleged withdrawal of security personnel prior to the attack.
Ajaero confirmed that the outcomes of the meetings with the President and the governors' delegation would be presented to the NLC's broader membership for consideration.
