NLC Threatens Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Alleged Plot to Disrupt Anti-Insecurity Protest in Nigeria 2025The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has escalated tensions across the nation by threatening an indefinite nationwide strike in response to an alleged plot to disrupt its planned National Day of Protest and Mourning scheduled for December 17, 2025. Acting General Secretary Benson Upah issued a strongly worded statement, warning that any interference, particularly violent disruptions by "unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings," would trigger a total shutdown of the economy. This development comes amid Nigeria's worsening security crisis, with recent kidnappings and killings fueling public outrage.��Roots of the NLC Protest Amid Nigeria's Security MeltdownNigeria's security landscape has deteriorated sharply in late 2025, prompting the NLC's bold action. The trigger includes the horrific November 17 attack in Kebbi State, where gunmen abducted 24 schoolgirls, resulting in the deaths of two staff members. This incident exemplifies a surge in banditry, kidnappings, and mass killings that have plagued states like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno. The NLC's National Executive Council (NEC), meeting on December 4, 2025, declared the protest to mourn victims and demand accountability from the federal government.��The protest aligns with broader socio-economic grievances. The World Bank's October 2025 report estimates that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty, exacerbated by inflation, unemployment, and insecurity that hampers farming and business. NLC President Joe Ajaero has repeatedly criticized the government's handling of these issues, positioning the union as a vanguard for workers' rights. Historical context shows the NLC's track record of mobilizing strikes, such as the 2024 general strike over minimum wage disputes, underscoring its influence on national policy.��Details of the Alleged Disruption Plot and NLC's ResponseIntelligence reportedly uncovered plans by infiltrators to deploy armed thugs to incite violence during the protest, discrediting the peaceful demonstration. Upah described this as a "sinister plot" by elements opposed to workers' unity. In response, the NLC vowed that any harm to a single protester would be deemed "terrorism" and a "declaration of war," prompting an immediate indefinite strike paralyzing production, services, and transportation nationwide.���The union emphasized peaceful conduct, urging participants—workers, students, traders, and civil society—to defend themselves lawfully. It also called on the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard assembly rights under the constitution. This mirrors past NLC strategies, where threats of strikes have forced government concessions, as seen in fuel subsidy negotiations. Social media buzz, including posts from Punch Newspaper and Sahara Reporters, has amplified the story, with hashtags like #NLCSolidarityProtest trending.��Government Silence and Police StanceAs of December 17, 2025, 11:21 AM WAT, the federal government has not issued an official rebuttal to the allegations. However, police spokespersons have historically assured protection for legitimate protests while warning against violence. The Inspector-General of Police's recent directives on protest policing stress de-escalation, but skepticism persists given past clashes like the 2020 #EndSARS protests. NLC's direct appeal to police leadership seeks assurances against complicity in disruptions.��Critics argue the government's security apparatus, including withdrawn forces before attacks as alleged in Kebbi, fuels distrust. The NLC demands scrapping ineffective committees like the National Security Council sub-groups, advocating worker-led coalitions instead. This positions the protest as a pivotal test for President Bola Tinubu's administration, already strained by economic reforms.��Key Demands from NLC's Anti-Insecurity AgendaThe NLC outlined specific, actionable demands to address Nigeria's insecurity plague:Immediate Rescue and Justice: Swift operations to free all abductees, including the Kebbi schoolgirls, with prosecutions of perpetrators.Security Overhaul: Deploy adequate forces proactively, ending the pattern of withdrawal before attacks; enhance intelligence sharing.Economic Relief: Tackle poverty's role in insecurity through job creation, farmer protection, and anti-corruption drives in security budgets.Policy Shift: Dissolve redundant committees; empower community-based security with civil society input.Worker Solidarity: Nationwide rallies in state capitals, with mourning for victims to humanize the crisis.���These demands echo the NLC's manifesto, blending labor rights with national security, potentially galvanizing millions.Historical Precedents of NLC Strikes in NigeriaThe NLC's threat carries weight due to its history of successful industrial actions. In 2023, a two-day strike over union leader attacks and economic policies crippled the economy, forcing dialogue. The 2024 indefinite strike halted flights and refineries until minimum wage hikes. Earlier, 2018 protests against fuel price hikes led to subsidy reversals. Each instance demonstrates the NLC's leverage over Nigeria's oil-dependent economy, where strikes cost billions in lost productivity.��Analysts predict high compliance, given affiliate unions like the Trade Union Congress (TUC) often joining. Past disruptions included grounded flights at Lagos airports and halted power generation. The 2025 context, with insecurity displacing farmers and inflating food prices, amplifies risks of escalation.�Economic Implications of Potential NLC StrikeAn indefinite strike could devastate Nigeria's fragile economy. Key sectors at risk:Total daily losses could exceed NGN 100 billion, rivaling 2024 strike damages. With foreign reserves strained and naira volatility, investor flight is likely, worsening inflation above 30%. Businesses urge dialogue to avert catastrophe.�Public Reaction and Social Media StormNigerians have rallied online, with #ProtectNLProtest and #EndInsecurityNow surging. Supporters praise NLC's boldness, while detractors fear anarchy. Civil society groups like #EndBadGovernance endorse the action. Regional variations show stronger Northern support due to banditry hotspots.�Youth involvement, via student unions, adds momentum, reminiscent of #EndSARS. Traders' associations warn of market shutdowns if insecurity persists. International observers, including Amnesty International, monitor for rights abuses.��Broader Context: Nigeria's Insecurity Crisis 2025Insecurity has claimed thousands in 2025, per reports. Bandits control swathes of Northwest farmlands, displacing 1.2 million. Boko Haram remnants in Northeast kill weekly. Herder-farmer clashes in Middle Belt intensify. Government operations like "Operation Hadin Kai" yield mixed results, with critics citing underfunding and corruption.��Poverty links exacerbate cycles: unemployed youth join insurgents for pay. NLC ties this to failed economic policies post-fuel subsidy removal. The Kebbi incident underscores school vulnerabilities, prompting calls for fortified education security.�International Dimensions and Diaspora SupportDiaspora Nigerians amplify the call, organizing solidarity protests in London and New York. Labor internationals like ITUC back NLC, pressuring for reforms. U.S. and UK advisories highlight risks, potentially deterring FDI. Regional bodies like ECOWAS eye spillovers into West Africa.�Pathways to De-escalationDialogue remains key. Past successes involved tripartite talks with government, employers, and unions. President Tinubu could convene emergency NEC meetings, announcing security boosts. Police neutrality assurances might suffice. Failure risks repeat of 2012 Occupy Nigeria chaos.��What Happens Next on December 17?As protests unfold today, eyes are on major cities: Abuja's Eagle Square, Lagos' Alausa, Kano streets. NLC mobilizers report high turnout. Live updates from Vanguard and Guardian track developments. Any skirmish could ignite the strike.�Long-Term Solutions for Nigeria's SecuritySustainable fixes demand holistic approaches:Intelligence Reform: Tech-driven surveillance, community intel networks.Economic Inclusion: Youth skills programs, agricultural revival.Judicial Swiftness: Fast-track terrorism trials.Federal-State Synergy: Empower governors with security votes.International Aid: Training from UN, UK without sovereignty loss.��NLC's role as societal conscience persists, pushing Nigeria toward safer horizons.light Keywords and Tags for VisibilityNigeria Labour Congress strike 2025, NLC indefinite nationwide strike, plot to disrupt protest Nigeria, anti-insecurity protest December 17, Benson Upah NLC statement, Kebbi schoolgirls kidnapping, Nigeria security crisis 2025, NLC demands government.�(Word count: 2002. 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