The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised the alarm over the escalating insecurity in the country, warning that it will mobilise workers for nationwide protests if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero said Nigeria is “under siege” as criminal gangs abduct schoolchildren, attack workers, and carry out violent crimes. He condemned the recent school kidnapping incident, questioning why security personnel assigned to protect the institution were withdrawn shortly before the attack.

“You can see the state of the nation. The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country—never again,” Ajaero said. He added that the Congress plans to declare a national day of mourning for victims of insecurity and demanded a full investigation into the withdrawal of security personnel.

Ajaero also criticized the power sector, noting that tariff increases have not translated into improved electricity supply. On ongoing strikes in the education and health sectors, he urged the federal government to honor existing agreements, warning that NLC might take further action to enforce compliance.

In a major political announcement, Ajaero declared that workers’ representatives in the Labour Party (LP) would be withdrawn, citing misrepresentation of workers’ interests.

Also speaking at the meeting, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, highlighted the seriousness of the insecurity situation, warning against calls for foreign military intervention and cautioning the government to act decisively to protect citizens. He criticized international political rhetoric, particularly U.S. statements regarding Christian protection, as inconsistent with actions in conflict zones.

Falana urged labour unions, civil society groups, and Nigerians to mobilise and resist further deterioration of the country’s security, emphasizing that “we are not a conquered people.”