Security agencies across the country have deployed special forces and tactical units ahead of today’s nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
This was as the labour centre insists it will proceed with what it has described as a “National Day of Protest and Mourning” over rising insecurity and worsening socio-economic conditions.
The Police Force confirmed to newsmen their readiness to maintain law and order during the demonstrations, warning that they would not tolerate any acts of violence, vandalism or attempts by miscreants and political hirelings to hijack the rallies.
The nationwide protest, which is expected to take place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was called by the NLC in response to what it described as escalating insecurity, unresolved labour issues, rising cost of living and the government’s failure to protect lives and livelihoods.
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Despite concerns raised in some quarters, the NLC has reiterated that it will not back down.
Benson Upah, congress’ spokesperson, confirmed on Tuesday that affiliate unions have been mobilised and that the action would go on as planned.
“We are going on with the protest across the country,” Upah said.
He warned that any attempt to disrupt the protest could trigger a nationwide indefinite strike. According to him, the NLC has received intelligence reports suggesting that “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” may attempt to infiltrate or violently disrupt the demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Upah stressed that the labour movement would not tolerate any harm to protesters or citizens.
“Our action tomorrow is not just a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the statement read.
He added that any attack on the protest would have far-reaching consequences. “Any attack on our protest will be an attack on the very engine of Nigeria. The consequence will be an escalation and a total shutdown,” the union warned.
It noted that the injury or death of even a single worker or citizen would lead to an immediate and indefinite shutdown across all sectors of the economy.
The NLC linked the protest to broader labour and national grievances, including unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, rising cost of living, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ productivity, safety and livelihoods.
The congress lamented the deaths of its members, teachers, farmers, miners and other artisans who have fallen victim to banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks across the country.
Framing the protest as a civic action rather than a strictly labour-related dispute, the NLC said the demonstrations are aimed at mobilising public opinion and compelling authorities to prioritise security, governance reforms and economic justice.
The labour centre directed all its state chapters to mobilise members for peaceful demonstrations, stressing that the action is lawful and constitutionally guaranteed.
