Nigeria’s primary labour union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has sharply criticised the Federal Government, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of prioritising political ambitions over the escalating crisis of insecurity. The NLC asserted on Wednesday that the government’s focus on electoral matters detracts from its fundamental duty to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens across the nation. This strong condemnation emerged during a protest rally organised by the NLC’s Ebonyi State Council, highlighting profound public disquiet.

The rally, held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, served as a platform for workers and concerned citizens to voice their frustrations regarding the pervasive insecurity. Professor Ogugua Egwu, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the NLC, addressed the gathering, lamenting that Nigeria has devolved into a nation gripped by a relentless wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and incessant killings. He stressed that the prevailing climate of fear has eroded any sense of safety among the populace, rendering daily life precarious for millions.

Professor Egwu painted a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis, noting that even internally displaced persons (IDPs), who sought refuge in designated camps, now find themselves living under constant threat. He highlighted the devastating impact of frequent abductions, particularly those targeting schoolchildren and workers, which have compelled numerous parents to withdraw their children from educational institutions. This trend not only disrupts learning but also underscores the profound breakdown of security infrastructure in once-considered safe zones.

The NLC chairman openly questioned the efficacy of Nigeria’s extensive network of security agencies, which includes the police, military, and various paramilitary forces. He posed critical inquiries into the potential factors debilitating these institutions, asking whether they have been weakened by chronic underfunding, undue politicisation, or the broader corrosive effects of poverty within their ranks. Such systemic issues, he suggested, could be undermining their capacity to effectively combat the multifaceted security challenges facing the nation.

To underscore the severity and breadth of the security crisis, Professor Egwu cited several recent, harrowing incidents. These included the abduction of seven workers in Kwara State, a clear indication of the growing threat to the workforce. He also referenced the kidnapping of a civil servant and her husband along the Afikpo–Onueke Road in Ebonyi State, an incident that deeply resonated within the local community and highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens on vital transport routes.

Additionally, the NLC chairman detailed the alarming hijacking of a bus conveying federal civil servants en route to a promotion interview. This incident not only disrupted essential government functions but also amplified fears among public sector employees about their personal safety while performing their duties. The pattern of these attacks, targeting both private citizens and government workers, suggests a widespread and sophisticated criminal enterprise operating with considerable impunity across various regions.

Nigeria has grappled with various forms of insecurity for over a decade, ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to persistent banditry, cattle rustling, and communal clashes in the North-West and North-Central regions. Kidnapping-for-ransom has become a lucrative industry, extending its reach to the South-West and South-East, often targeting travellers, farmers, and even schoolchildren. These threats collectively strain national resources and challenge the government’s capacity to maintain law and order.

The pervasive insecurity carries profound economic and social ramifications. Agricultural productivity is severely hampered as farmers fear attacks, leading to food scarcity and inflation. Foreign direct investment is deterred, hindering economic growth and job creation. Socially, the constant threat fosters mistrust, displaces communities, and disrupts education, healthcare, and other essential services, pushing more Nigerians into poverty and despair, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, as a prominent civil society organisation, has historically played a crucial role in advocating for the welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader populace. Its consistent calls for improved governance, accountability, and security have often placed it in a critical position relative to successive administrations. The current protest underscores a deep-seated frustration with the perceived lack of decisive action from the federal government regarding a crisis that affects every segment of society.

While the Federal Government has often reiterated its commitment to tackling insecurity, deploying military operations and implementing various strategies, public perception, as articulated by the NLC, suggests these efforts are insufficient or misdirected. Critics argue that a holistic approach, addressing the root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption, alongside robust security operations, is essential for sustainable peace and stability. The NLC’s accusation of political distraction highlights a significant disconnect between government priorities and public expectations.

The NLC’s strong statement serves as a critical call to action, urging the government to urgently re-evaluate its approach to national security. It demands a shift in focus from perceived political manoeuvring to a more concentrated and effective strategy for protecting citizens. The union contends that without a fundamental restoration of security, the nation’s progress on all other fronts, including economic development and social cohesion, remains severely compromised.

The labour union’s unequivocal demand for greater attention to security underscores the urgency of the situation. As insecurity continues to plague communities across Nigeria, the NLC’s intervention reflects a growing public impatience and a demand for tangible results from the government. The focus, they insist, must unequivocally shift towards guaranteeing the fundamental right to life and safety for all Nigerians, rather than perceived political pursuits.

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Keywords: Nigeria security crisis, NLC accusation, Federal Government security, Insecurity in Nigeria, Bola Tinubu administration, Kidnapping and banditry, Worker safety Nigeria, Government priorities Nigeria