NLC Backs Teachers’ Strike, Demands Urgent Action on Rising Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for the ongoing industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing the strike as a justified response to the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks targeting teachers, students and other vulnerable workers across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the nationwide action by teachers reflects a determination to protect their lives and livelihoods amid worsening insecurity in many parts of Nigeria.

According to the labour leader, the strike serves as a strong message to governments at all levels to take more decisive action against banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality threatening communities and educational institutions.

The Congress commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Comrade Titus Audu Amba, for what it described as a thoughtful and coordinated response to the security challenges facing teachers nationwide.

Ajaero expressed concern over the increasing number of abductions involving teachers, pupils and students, as well as attacks on other categories of workers including local government employees, doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel.

The NLC said it was particularly disturbed by reports and images of schoolchildren allegedly held captive by armed groups in Oyo State, warning that the country could not afford to normalise such incidents.

“As a nation, we cannot continue to watch while innocent citizens are abducted and subjected to inhumane treatment,” the statement said.

The labour body warned that it may organise solidarity actions in support of teachers and other workers if authorities fail to address the security situation more effectively.

Ajaero noted that the NLC has consistently advocated for stronger security measures, citing previous security summits and nationwide protests organised by the Congress to draw attention to the crisis.

Referencing recent kidnappings in Oyo, Plateau, Kogi and other states, the NLC argued that the persistence of mass abductions indicates that the country is struggling to gain the upper hand against criminal groups.

While acknowledging the operational challenges faced by security agencies, the Congress urged government officials to move beyond assurances and condolence messages and focus on delivering measurable results.

The NLC also called for the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and renewed efforts to restore safety in schools, workplaces and communities across the country.

The statement concluded with a call for urgent and coordinated action to address what it described as a growing national emergency.