Workers, Civil Society Groups Demand Government Action on Human Rights, Protest Rising Insecurity

Together with civil society organizations (CSOs), organized labor unions operating under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) platform have criticized the federal government for widespread insecurity, pointing out that “the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are sacrosanct.”

Organized labor and CSOs lamented the government’s terrible failure to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 revised constitution.

Amid concerns over insecurity, the unions held a nonviolent protest in Jos on Wednesday. They carried banners and placards with various inscriptions and threatened to shut down the nation without warning if the Federal Government did nothing.

According to the Daily Champion, the demonstrators gathered as early as 8:00 a.m. and then went to the Plateau State House of Assembly and Government House Little Rayfield, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he might take the appropriate action.

They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and demanded that internally displaced people (IDPs) be immediately returned to their ancestral homes in order to prevent further attacks in the towns.

“Today we are here to register and express our displeasure to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, from the state to the local government and to the three tiers of government of this country,” stated Comrade Eugene Manji, the NLC chairman of the Plateau State Chapter.

We have all seen the problem of insecurity.

Manji, who provided an explanation of the protest’s motivation, stated that it is a follow-up to their May Day (Workers’ Day 2025) event, in which they voiced their disapproval of Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

At the National Executive Council meeting of the NLC last week in Lagos, it was decided that all 36 of the federation’s states should take action at the same time.

“It is very relevant that you live in a nation where people are being killed like animals, and you are unaware of this until another nation, like the United States of America, reminds you that you are a country of particular concern.”

Take a look at our Plateau schools today. Due of insecurity, students have been absent from class for over a month.

Since Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited, we are encouraging these people by closing schools.

They have already succeeded in severely impairing education by the time we close schools.

A nation devoid of education is already doomed. That a nation of more than 250 million people might become ignorant is quite regrettable.

Imagine the amount of insecurity that will result from this.

Today, that’s where we are. About 300 pupils were selected from schools in Niger State, and no one was able to contest them. There are perhaps 100 out there, but where are the others?

That indicates the extent of the issue. It occurs daily at mosques, churches, Zamfara, and other locations.

We are arguing that regardless of your beliefs—Christian, Muslim, or free-thinking—you are either directly or indirectly impacted.

You are affected, or your person is affected.

“To ensure proper coordination to combat the threat of insecurity, we are urging the Office of the National Security Adviser to be more proactive and to work in robust synergy with all security agencies,” comrade Manji said.

Steve Aluko, Coordinator of Civil Liberty Organizations, voiced concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ability to quickly use fighter jets and other equipment to thwart a planned coup in the Benin Republic would be a grave indictment of the government’s incapacity to defend Nigerians.

“The situation continues to worsen despite the enormous resources devoted to combating insecurity.

Does the Nigerian government have any control over the issues we face, such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping?

Aluko said, “We want to see more practical action from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches rather than just rhetoric. The problem is not beyond the government.”

Additionally, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts on Wednesday in a nonviolent demonstration against the nation’s insecurity.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) procession, which took place in Maiduguri today, December 17, 2025, was successfully organized and adequately secured by the Borno State Police Command.

The calm and well-planned parade began at NUJ Junction and finished at Today’s Store along Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri.

In order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, Nigerian police officers and men were present.

Due in large part to the great degree of collaboration, understanding, and support from the NLC’s leadership and members, no undesired incidents were reported during the exercise.

Movements of cars and pedestrians were efficiently controlled, guaranteeing unrestricted traffic flow without interfering with citizens’ legal activities.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the Borno State Police Command claimed that the peaceful procession, which started at NUJ Junction and ended at Today’s Store off Gidan Madara Road Maiduguri, was made possible by the deployment of sufficient security.

The statement read, “CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command, commends all participants’ conduct and reassures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights within the state.”

Plateau: NLC and CSOs denounce widespread insecurity and declare that every Nigerian’s fundamental human rights are inviolable.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Enugu state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) started a protest against the country’s growing insecurity.

As the demonstrators marched across the city in support of the nationwide protest over the country’s growing insecurity, the protest brought Enugu’s metropolis to a halt for hours.

Deep concern over the widespread threat to lives and property across the country was evident at the protest organized by NLC Chairman Comrade Fabian Nwigbo.

Chanting slogans like “another challenge! another challenge!” and carrying signs that read “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries,” protesters marched through Enugu’s main thoroughfares.

Other signs urged the government to act decisively rather than rhetorically, calling for the security of citizens and schools.

“Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” Nwigbo said to the demonstrators, expressing deep regret that cows are safer than people in Nigeria.

He bemoaned the fact that everyone is impacted by insecurity, including workers, teachers, students, farmers, tourists, and even political leaders, underscoring the frightening level of disorder in the nation.

He underlined that protecting the lives and property of its residents is the government’s first priority.

He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the pressing need for government action to reestablish security and peace throughout Nigeria.

“The country is bleeding,” he said, adding that during its most recent NEC meeting, the NLC took a strong stance to draw attention to the deteriorating circumstances.

Nwigbo criticized the security inadequacies that have resulted in a spike in kidnappings and attacks, pointing out the paradox that cows are better protected than humans.

He questioned the reasoning behind a recent event in which a security commander in the North pulled his troops from guarding a school, only to have the school attacked and students kidnapped.

He explained that the demonstration also serves as a declaration that the NLC is a group advocating for Nigerians’ safety and dignity rather than being a part of any plot fueling the country’s insecurity situation.