NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Escalating Insecurity

NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Escalating Insecurity

Organised labour has threatened a nationwide industrial action over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, warning that workers may be forced to shut down economic activities if the government fails to curb the growing wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.

The warning was issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during engagements at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The labour centres said the persistent insecurity facing many parts of the country has become a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods and productivity of Nigerian workers, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable economic growth while citizens live in fear.

According to the unions, thousands of workers now face daily risks while travelling to work, conducting business or carrying out official duties, as incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks and violent crimes continue to rise in several states.

The labour leaders noted that insecurity is no longer limited to isolated communities but has spread to schools, hospitals, farms, highways and workplaces, disrupting economic activities and deepening hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

They expressed concern over recent abductions involving teachers, schoolchildren and other citizens, arguing that the situation has exposed workers and their families to unprecedented dangers.

The threat of a broader labour action comes amid growing support from organised labour for the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in some affected areas over the abduction of teachers and pupils.

READ ALSO:

• Oyo Demolishes Kidnappers’ Hideout Used to Hold Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons
• NYSC Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Date of Birth Correction on Portal
• Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack

President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, recently backed the teachers’ action, describing it as a necessary response to the country’s worsening security situation.

Ajaero said workers should not be expected to perform their duties under constant threats to their lives, warning that organised labour may be compelled to mobilise nationwide solidarity actions if governments fail to take stronger steps to protect citizens.

He maintained that the safety of workers must remain a priority, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare and local government services, where employees often operate in vulnerable environments.

The labour unions further argued that the security crisis in Nigeria has become both a humanitarian and economic challenge, discouraging investment, reducing productivity and worsening the cost of doing business.

While calling on federal and state governments to take decisive action against criminal groups, the unions urged authorities to move beyond public assurances and implement practical measures capable of tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

They also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of victims currently being held by kidnappers and other armed groups across the country.

Meanwhile, the labour centres dismissed reports suggesting that negotiations were progressing on a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, describing claims by some state governors as misleading.

According to labour officials, no agreement has been reached on such a figure, insisting that discussions on workers’ welfare and remuneration remain ongoing.

The unions warned that continued failure to address workers’ concerns over security and welfare could trigger stronger actions from organised labour in the coming weeks.

The latest warning highlights growing frustration among labour leaders over the country’s security challenges, which have increasingly dominated national discourse amid recurring attacks on communities, schools and public institutions.

NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Escalating Insecurity