President Bola Tinubu convened a late-night meeting with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, in a bid to address rising tensions ahead of the union’s planned nationwide protest.

The closed-door session included key government figures such as Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum; Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State; Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. Discussions reportedly focused on finding common ground on national challenges and exploring ways to avert the mass action scheduled for December 17.

No official statement has been issued following the meeting, but the gathering underscores the government’s urgency to engage labour leaders amid growing public frustration over insecurity, inflation, and other socio-economic pressures.

Earlier in the week, the NLC had reiterated that the protest would proceed, highlighting widespread grievances among citizens and the potential for nationwide disruption if dialogue fails.

As Nigerians await further updates, the late-night engagement signals both the government’s awareness of the stakes and the unions’ determination to ensure their voices are heard.