Members of Nigeria’s largest labour union staged a protest in Lagos on Wednesday, drawing attention to growing security concerns and urging authorities to take swift measures to safeguard lives and property.
Hundreds of members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) marched along key roads in the country’s commercial hub, displaying placards and chanting slogans against incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks reported nationwide.
According to the protesters, the deteriorating security situation has had a direct impact on workers, affecting their safety and economic activities. Many participants said fear of attacks has made daily commuting and travel, including plans for the festive period, increasingly difficult.
Labour leaders criticised the government’s response, arguing that their repeated appeals for stronger action had not led to meaningful improvements. They said persistent insecurity continues to threaten livelihoods and public confidence.
Nigeria has faced ongoing security challenges in recent years, with kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups occurring in various regions. Police officers were deployed to oversee the demonstration, which proceeded without incident.
The federal government has maintained that it is addressing insecurity through military operations and reforms within the police force. However, labour unions and civil society organisations have continued to call for more decisive and effective measures.
