The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have warned that organized labour may be compelled to embark on a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to halt the worsening insecurity across the country.
The labour centres expressed concern over the persistent incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities nationwide, arguing that the deteriorating security situation poses a direct threat to workers, businesses and the country’s economic stability.
The warning was issued during a joint media briefing by leaders of both organizations on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the labour leaders, the continued loss of lives, displacement of communities and increasing attacks on travellers, farmers, students and workers have reached alarming levels and require urgent, decisive intervention from government at all levels.
They stressed that insecurity has become not only a humanitarian challenge but also a major obstacle to productivity, investment and national development, warning that workers can no longer remain passive while citizens face daily threats to their safety.
Labour Demands Urgent Security Response
The NLC and TUC called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to combat criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.
They urged the government to adopt more proactive and effective measures to protect lives and property, secure farming communities, safeguard transportation corridors and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
The labour leaders maintained that failure to address the crisis could force organized labour to consider stronger actions, including nationwide protests and industrial action, to draw attention to the plight of Nigerians.
Reject Claims of ₦100,000 Minimum Wage Negotiations
The labour centres also dismissed reports suggesting that discussions were underway between state governments and organized labour on a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage.
According to the union leaders, such claims do not reflect the current state of engagement between labour and government regarding workers’ welfare and remuneration.
They insisted that no agreement had been reached on the figure being circulated publicly and cautioned against attempts to misrepresent ongoing conversations on wage-related matters.
The unions reiterated their commitment to advocating improved living conditions for workers amid rising inflation, increasing transportation costs and the broader economic pressures facing households across the country.
Workers’ Welfare and National Stability
The labour movement noted that security and economic wellbeing are closely linked, arguing that meaningful development cannot occur in an environment where citizens live in fear.
The NLC and TUC therefore called for coordinated efforts by federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity, strengthen public institutions and create conditions that support both economic growth and social stability.
They maintained that organized labour would continue to monitor developments closely while consulting with affiliates nationwide on possible next steps should the security situation fail to improve.
