NLC Threatens Nationwide Mass Action Over Insecurity, Poverty, and Economic Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the federal government, threatening nationwide mass action over worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and the deepening cost-of-living crisis across the country.

Rising from a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NLC said Nigerian workers would no longer remain silent while the nation’s economy and democracy deteriorate.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union lamented that nearly 700,000 lives had been lost to insecurity in the past year—figures comparable only to nations at war.

“When farmers can no longer access their lands to farm, famine becomes a looming danger,” the NLC stated, blaming the federal government’s failure to protect lives and property. “The time for talk shops and empty promises has passed. What is needed now are decisive actions.”

Farmers Abandoning Agriculture Over Fear of Death

Sources at the meeting revealed growing concern among union leaders over the dire security situation. One agricultural union leader warned that continued attacks on farmers and the destruction of farmlands could result in a total collapse of agricultural activity.

“As I speak, many of our members have stopped going to their farms for fear of being killed,” the union leader said. “Every day, we hear of 10 or 20 farmers being killed, and farmlands destroyed. If this continues, no one will be willing to farm, and the resulting food crisis will be unimaginable.”

Call for State of Emergency on Insecurity

Several contributors at the meeting criticised the government’s lacklustre approach to security, describing it as a mere “talk show.” They urged the federal government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity and empower security agencies to decisively confront criminal elements, including armed herders and bandits.

Economic Crisis Driving Workers Into Deeper Poverty

The NLC also raised alarm over the severe economic hardship facing Nigerian workers and the poor. The CWC warned that the current situation had become intolerable, stressing the urgent need for government intervention to avoid a total societal breakdown.

“The contradictions of Nigeria’s political economy have further deepened the suffering of working people and exposed the fragility of our social contract,” the communiqué read. “Millions of Nigerians are being pushed into multi-dimensional poverty due to skyrocketing inflation, unaffordable food prices, crippling transport costs, and shrinking wages.”

Warning Against Removal of Labour Issues from Exclusive List

The union also condemned ongoing attempts by lawmakers to remove labour matters from the exclusive legislative list in the constitution, vowing to resist any such move.

“Those pushing for the removal of labour from the exclusive list must stop. It’s a ploy to further impoverish Nigerian workers. We will resist it with full force,” the NLC warned.

It further directed workers nationwide to begin mobilising to picket the offices of any National Assembly member supporting the move.

Call for Electoral Reforms and End to Political Patronage

The union called for genuine electoral reforms to eliminate vote-buying, rigging, and the recruitment of incompetent leaders through political patronage.

“There must be reforms to close the leadership recruitment gaps that have produced mediocrity and state capture,” the NLC insisted.

Accusations of Illegal Diversion of Osun LG Funds

The union also accused the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of illegally withholding local government allocations meant for elected councils in Osun State.

“This is a clear violation of the constitution and a judgment of the Court of Appeal. Reports that these funds are being diverted to political actors affiliated with the APC are deeply disturbing,” the NLC said.

The union demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the funds to the lawfully elected local governments, threatening “decisive action” if the funds are not restored.

On Workers’ Rights and Union Membership

The NLC also condemned persistent violations of the Trade Union Act 2005, warning employers against forcing workers into specific unions. It directed all affected affiliate unions to resist such practices and mobilise to picket any employer found guilty of the violation.

Support for CNG Buses and Final Warning

While appreciating the federal government’s recent donation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to help reduce transport costs, the NLC urged a rapid expansion of CNG infrastructure nationwide.

Reaffirming its commitment to dialogue but signalling readiness for stronger action, the NLC concluded:
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to defending democracy, promoting economic justice, and securing social progress for all Nigerians.”