Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed that its planned nationwide protest against insecurity, scheduled for December 17, will go ahead as announced.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated this in Gombe after a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya. He stressed that there had been no directive to suspend the protest, describing it as “sacrosanct.”
Ajaero said the demonstration is aimed at drawing urgent attention to the worsening insecurity across the country and its negative impact on the economy, workers and investors. According to him, rising cases of banditry, kidnappings and killings have continued to threaten livelihoods and discourage both local and foreign investment.
He cited incidents of workers being abducted and killed, including a teacher who was reportedly murdered during a recent attack in Kebbi State. He added that many of the kidnapped children are dependents of workers, while victims often resort to borrowing money to pay ransoms.
The NLC president called on the government to take decisive steps to address the security challenges, saying the protest is meant to awaken authorities to their responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, describing organised labour as a key partner in governance. Speaking at the flag-off of the NLC state secretariat in Gombe, he said the project would provide a befitting office for labour unions after decades of operating from temporary facilities.
The governor also noted that Gombe State was among the first to implement the national minimum wage, despite limited resources, as part of efforts to invest in human capital and promote industrial harmony.
