NLC, CSOs Urge FG to Protect Nigerians’ Fundamental Rights, Stage Nationwide Protest Against 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, stating 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 modified 1999 constitution.

Amid worries about 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 a.m. and then went to Government House Little Rayfield and the Plateau State House of Assembly, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appropriate action.

They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and called for the rapid return of internally displaced people (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in order to prevent further attacks on the areas.

“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 are all aware of the problem of insecurity.

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

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

“It is quite 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, informs you that you are a country of particular importance.

Take a look at the Plateau’s schools today. Due of insecurity, students have been absent from school for over a month.

Because Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited, we are supporting these individuals by closing schools.

They had already succeeded in severely impairing education by the time we shut down schools.

A nation that lacks education is already doomed. That a nation of more than 250 million people might become illiterate is really regrettable.

Imagine the degree of insecurity that will result from this.

That’s where we are right now. About 300 pupils in Niger State were selected from schools, and no one was able to contest them. There have been about 100 issued, but where are the others?

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

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

Either you or your person is impacted.

“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,” said Comrade Manji.

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

“The situation keeps getting worse even while enormous resources are being used to combat insecurity.

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

Aluko stated, “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, on Wednesday, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts 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 effectively organized and adequately secured by the Borno State Police Command.

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

The Nigerian police officers and men were present to make sure that law and order was upheld.

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

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

In a statement released by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the Borno State Police Command stated 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 spokesman stated, “CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command, commends the conduct of all participants 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 the widespread insecurity and declare that all Nigerians’ fundamental human rights are inviolable.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state chapter in Enugu started a demonstration 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, Enugu’s metropolis came to a complete stop for hours.

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

Chanting catchphrases 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 only rhetorically, calling for the security of citizens and schools.

Speaking to the demonstrators, Nwigbo said, “Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” expressing his deep disappointment 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 instability in the nation.

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

He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to how urgently the government must act to restore security and peace in Nigeria.

“The nation 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 also criticized the security failings 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 squad from guarding a school, only for the school to be attacked and children kidnapped.

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