Labour Union Warns Of Protests As Hardship And Insecurity Deepen

The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a strong warning of a nationwide protest as the country continues to face rising poverty, growing insecurity, and what it described as a pattern of attacks on workers’ rights.

The union’s position was made clear after its Central Working Committee met over the weekend at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to the NLC, the economic conditions in Nigeria have worsened to a point where workers and ordinary citizens are now struggling to survive. The union said the combination of soaring prices, job losses, and rising threats to public safety has pushed millions into unbearable hardship.

The labour group also raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country, saying it is under threat due to poor governance and lack of accountability. It criticised what it called coordinated efforts to silence workers and weaken labour unions through legislation and other means.

The NLC said it can no longer stay silent while the rights of workers are ignored and the economy continues to shrink. It warned that unless urgent steps are taken to address the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and public safety, it will mobilise its members across the country for mass action.

While no specific date was announced, the labour body made it clear that preparations are underway, and that the leadership is ready to take bold steps if nothing changes.

The warning comes at a time when many Nigerians are calling for relief from high food prices, poor electricity supply, insecurity in rural areas, and low wages.

The union urged the government to take responsibility and implement policies that will ease the suffering of citizens, protect livelihoods, and uphold the democratic rights of workers and unions.