Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday protested worsening security challenges across the country ahead of the Christmas and New Year festive period.

The protest commenced as early as 8am across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Abuja.

Ajaero, accompanied by former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said the demand for improved security and better welfare for workers was non-negotiable.

Protesters first gathered at the Federal Secretariat before moving to the Federal Ministry of Finance under heavy security presence.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were deployed to monitor the procession.

The protest followed a late-night meeting between labour leaders and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to discuss labour-related concerns including insecurity.

Speaking ahead of the demonstration, Ajaero said Nigerian workers were facing the worst survival crisis in the nation’s history, driven largely by financial insecurity.

In Lagos, protesters gathered at the Ikeja Underpass, carrying placards and chanting slogans calling on the federal government to address insecurity.

In Enugu, the protest was led by the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, who raised concerns over rising kidnappings and violent crimes.

Kano State NLC Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, urged President Tinubu to urgently find lasting solutions to insecurity affecting Nigerians.

In Bauchi, the NLC called on government to expose and prosecute sponsors of insecurity.

Niger State protesters demanded the immediate rescue of kidnapped citizens, including pupils of St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri.

The Sokoto State NLC suspended street protests and instead resolved to hold prayers for peace and safety.

In Plateau State, the NLC warned of emerging threats ahead of Christmas, noting that prayer alone was insufficient to tackle insecurity.

In Calabar, the NLC declared that Nigerian workers were no longer safe even in their workplaces.

Zamfara State was identified as the worst hit by insecurity, crippling farming, mining, and economic activities.

Kwara State NLC warned that insecurity was threatening livelihoods and placing severe strain on the national economy.