Security agencies nationwide have deployed special forces and tactical units ahead of today’s nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The mobilisation comes as the labour centre insists on proceeding with what it calls a “National Day of Protest and Mourning” over escalating insecurity and deepening economic hardship.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed its preparedness to maintain law and order during the demonstrations, warning that it will not tolerate violence, vandalism, or attempts by miscreants and political hirelings to hijack the protests.
The planned protest is expected to take place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the NLC’s decision to act against worsening insecurity, unresolved labour matters, the rising cost of living, and what it described as the government’s failure to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Despite concerns expressed in some quarters, the NLC has maintained that it will not retreat from the action.
The congress’ spokesperson, Benson Upah, confirmed on Tuesday that affiliate unions had been fully mobilised and that the protest would proceed as scheduled.
“We are going on with the protest across the country,” Upah said.
He cautioned that any attempt to obstruct the demonstrations could spark a nationwide indefinite strike, adding that intelligence reports suggest “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” may attempt to infiltrate or violently disrupt the protests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Upah emphasised that the labour movement would not tolerate harm to protesters or members of the public.
“Our action tomorrow is not just a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the statement read.
He warned that any attack on the protest would carry serious consequences.
“Any attack on our protest will be an attack on the very engine of Nigeria. The consequence will be an escalation and a total shutdown,” the union said.
The NLC stated that the injury or death of even one worker or citizen would result in an immediate and indefinite shutdown of activities across all sectors of the economy.
The congress linked the protest to broader national and labour concerns, including unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government, soaring living costs, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ safety, productivity, and livelihoods.
It also mourned the loss of its members, as well as teachers, farmers, miners, and other artisans who have been killed or displaced by banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks nationwide.
Presenting the protest as a civic intervention rather than a purely labour dispute, the NLC said the demonstrations are intended to galvanise public opinion and compel authorities to prioritise security, governance reforms, and economic justice.
The labour centre has directed all state chapters to mobilise members for peaceful protests, stressing that the action is lawful and protected under the Constitution.
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