The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a grave warning, threatening an immediate and indefinite nationwide strike if its planned National Day of Protest and Mourning is met with violence. The labour union alleges it has received credible intelligence detailing a plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and disrupt the peaceful demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2025.

According to the NLC, this plot involves the deployment of armed thugs intended to sow chaos and create a pretext for violent repression. The union unequivocally stated that any harm to peaceful protesters would be considered an act of terrorism and a direct declaration of war on the Nigerian working class and its allies. The planned protest is a response to the escalating insecurity, including widespread kidnappings, abductions, and killings across the nation.

The NLC’s acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, conveyed the distress and resolve of the organization, highlighting the loss of numerous members to the pervasive insecurity. The union views the protest not merely as a procession but as a collective expression of grief and a desperate demand for the government to uphold the fundamental right to life and security for its citizens.

In its statement, the NLC specifically called upon the Nigerian Police Force to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect the democratic rights of citizens to assemble and express themselves freely. The union emphasized that these rights must be respected and guaranteed, especially in light of the alleged plot to undermine them through orchestrated violence.

The labour congress urged all Nigerians, including workers, students, traders, and victims of insecurity, to remain vigilant and disciplined during the protest. The NLC stressed that solidarity would serve as their shield against any attempts at intimidation or provocation, ensuring the demonstration remains peaceful and impactful.

Should any worker, comrade, or citizen be harmed as a result of hired thugs or escalated repression, the NLC has resolved to immediately implement a comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike. This action, passed by its National Executive Council, would entail a complete shutdown of all production, services, and every sector of the national economy, signaling the severe consequences of attacking a peaceful protest against government failure.

Read Original

Keywords: Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC strike, protest security, insecurity Nigeria, plot to attack protesters, nationwide strike, government indifference, democratic rights