Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) began a nationwide protest against the country’s worsening insecurity. Workers and civil society activists gathered at the NLC Secretariat in Abuja, calling for urgent action from the federal government to stop kidnappings, banditry and violent crimes that have plagued communities across the nation.
The protest began early at the Labour House, where NLC President Joe Ajaero stood with union leaders and allies, including human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore and members of the Revolution Now Movement. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans demanding better security for citizens and workers. A heavy deployment of police, civil defence officers and agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) was seen around the protest site to manage crowds and maintain order.
Ajaero reiterated that the protest was not just a demonstration but a nationwide call for leadership to take responsibility for failing to protect lives and livelihoods. He said insecurity is harming Nigeria’s economy and scaring away investors, as well as causing suffering for ordinary families. Ajaero noted that many workers have been kidnapped and sometimes killed, with relatives forced to pay ransoms that they cannot afford. He pointed to cases where teachers and other workers were attacked while doing their jobs.
He also urged Nigerians to reject a culture of violence and insecurity, saying such behaviour is foreign to the nation’s values. Ajaero said the protest is a peaceful but firm message to authorities that the status quo is unacceptable. At one point, he even suggested that an “insecurity allowance” be considered, as workers increasingly bear the cost of insecurity and must raise funds for ransom payments when kidnapped.
While the focus of the protest was on insecurity, many participants also expressed broader concerns about economic hardship and governance failures that have added pressure on workers and families across Nigeria. The nationwide rallies were planned after days of mobilisation by the NLC and its affiliate unions, with demonstrations expected in multiple states.
Security forces remained on high alert in Abuja and other cities to ensure that the protests stayed peaceful. Authorities emphasised the right to lawful demonstration but also warned that any attempt to hijack the rallies with violence or disruption would not be tolerated.
The protest attracted attention from citizens, activists and labour organisations across Nigeria. Many observers said the scale of the mobilisation shows growing frustration with insecurity and the urgent need for stronger policies and enforcement to protect lives and property.
As the day drew on, workers and civil society allies marched through designated routes, demanding immediate and sustainable government action to tackle the security crisis. Their message was clear: Nigerians want a safer country where citizens can live, work and raise families without fear of violence or kidnapping.
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