NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Rising Insecurity
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria have threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address the worsening insecurity ravaging different parts of the country.
The labour unions issued the warning during a joint media briefing held on the sidelines of the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the leadership of both labour centres, the increasing wave of terrorism, kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country has reached an alarming level, posing serious threats to workers, businesses and the general population.
The unions warned that organized labour would no longer remain silent while Nigerians continue to live in fear amid growing insecurity.
They stressed that if urgent and decisive action is not taken to tackle the security crisis, workers across the country may be directed to withdraw their services through a comprehensive nationwide strike.
The labour leaders expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities, abductions of schoolchildren, killings and violent crimes in several parts of the federation.
According to them, insecurity has severely affected economic activities, disrupted livelihoods and exposed millions of Nigerians to daily fear and uncertainty.
The unions noted that the inability of citizens to move freely, work safely or conduct business without fear of attacks reflects a dangerous deterioration in the country’s security situation.
The warning from organized labour comes amid growing national outrage over recent incidents of abduction and violent attacks in different states across the country.
Particularly disturbing to many Nigerians is the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, which has triggered widespread concern over the safety of schools and vulnerable communities.
The labour unions said the persistent attacks on educational institutions and innocent citizens show the urgent need for stronger security measures and improved intelligence gathering.
They argued that insecurity has become a major obstacle to national development, economic growth and social stability.
According to labour leaders, no meaningful economic progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear, violence and instability.
The NLC and TUC also criticized what they described as inadequate responses to the growing insecurity crisis, insisting that Nigerians expect more effective action from government authorities and security agencies.
The unions maintained that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and should be treated with the highest level of urgency.
They stressed that workers across various sectors have increasingly become victims of insecurity, particularly those working in rural communities, schools, healthcare facilities and transport services.
Labour leaders further warned that continued attacks on citizens could worsen unemployment, reduce productivity and discourage investment in the country.
The unions said organized labour would continue monitoring developments closely while consulting with relevant stakeholders on possible next steps if the situation fails to improve.
Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC also dismissed reports suggesting that discussions were ongoing regarding a proposed N100,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
According to the unions, claims by some state governors that negotiations were already taking place do not reflect the true state of discussions on workers’ welfare and salary adjustments.
The labour leaders insisted that no agreement had been reached regarding a new minimum wage figure and cautioned against misinformation capable of misleading workers and the public.
They stated that organized labour remains committed to advocating improved welfare, fair wages and better working conditions for Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and economic hardship.
The comments come as many Nigerians continue to grapple with the effects of high living costs, rising food prices, transportation challenges and economic uncertainty.
Labour unions have repeatedly argued that workers require stronger support systems and improved salaries to cope with current economic realities.
Observers say the latest warning by organized labour may increase pressure on the Federal Government to intensify security operations and engage stakeholders on urgent national concerns.
Security challenges have remained one of the most pressing issues confronting the country in recent years, with several states recording incidents of terrorism, banditry, communal violence and kidnappings.
In many affected communities, residents have continued to demand stronger military operations, improved policing and better protection for schools and public institutions.
Analysts also note that the threat of industrial action by organized labour could significantly affect economic activities if negotiations with the government fail to produce tangible results.
The NLC and TUC reiterated that the safety of Nigerians must remain a top national priority, warning that the country cannot continue to normalize insecurity and violent crimes.
They urged authorities at all levels to work together in addressing the root causes of insecurity while ensuring that citizens can live and work without fear.
The labour unions added that organized labour remains committed to defending the welfare, security and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens across the country.
