Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have raised the spectre of a nationwide industrial shutdown, warning that workers may be forced to take drastic action if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the escalating wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings ravaging the country. The threat was issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, during a joint briefing on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, where labour leaders painted a grim picture of a nation where citizens leave their homes each day with no guarantee of returning safely.
Speaking at the conference, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that Nigerian workers can no longer continue their daily activities under the constant fear of violent crime. He warned that organised labour would not remain silent if the situation continues to deteriorate, arguing that the safety of workers has become a major issue affecting productivity and the general well-being of employees across different sectors of the economy. He insisted that protecting the lives of citizens should remain the primary responsibility of government.
The labour centres said the persistent wave of violent attacks has become a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods and productivity of Nigerian workers, stressing that the government must urgently reverse the trend. According to the unions, the country cannot achieve meaningful economic growth or improve workers' welfare while many communities remain under siege from armed groups and criminal networks. The labour leaders warned that organised labour would not rule out industrial action if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling insecurity and protecting citizens. They argued that workers across the country are increasingly bearing the consequences of the crisis, with many unable to travel safely, conduct business or carry out their daily activities without fear.
The threat signals the possibility of a major confrontation between organised labour and the government if the issues remain unresolved. The labour unions warned that if the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings continues unabated, they will embark on a comprehensive strike.
Beyond the security concerns, the NLC and TUC also called on the Federal Government to commence the process for a fresh renegotiation of the National Minimum Wage. The labour centres argued that the current economic realities and rising cost of living have made a wage review necessary. According to the unions, discussions on a new minimum wage should begin ahead of the expected expiration of the present arrangement next year. They said early negotiations would help avoid unnecessary delays and industrial disputes. The labour movement has repeatedly insisted that workers deserve a living wage capable of meeting basic needs, especially as inflation continues to put pressure on household incomes across the country. The labour movement also rejected legislation of the new wage, insisting on negotiations to arrive at an acceptable figure.
The unions also took issue with reports suggesting that discussions were ongoing on a proposed N100,000 minimum wage, describing such claims by some state governors as misleading. NLC and TUC officials maintained that the narrative does not reflect the reality of current engagements on workers' welfare and remuneration, insisting that no agreement has been reached on such a figure.
The labour unions had previously expressed solidarity with the striking members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the serial cases of abduction of its members and students/pupils, describing the action as a necessary response to the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools. The NLC had earlier threatened to embark on a solidarity action with teachers and other workers across the country if governments fail to address worsening insecurity and the rising cases of abduction of teachers, pupils and students.
In a statement, Ajaero lamented that Nigeria was becoming a horror scene due to rising kidnappings, saying that the national and well-coordinated action represents the resolve of teachers to take their destiny into their own hands instead of waiting to be slaughtered to the last person. He said the action equally represents a gentle but unignorable nudge to governments to take the growing insecurity crisis more seriously. He added that the labour movement had organised two security summits and street protests, the last of which was held in 2024 despite pressure from government circles not to proceed with it.
The NLC had also called on governments to move beyond the ritual of saying "we are on top of the situation" and issuing condolence messages, to taking concrete and measurable action, urging them to free the abductees wherever they are being held.
The labour leaders urged both federal and state governments to prioritise security and economic stability, warning that failure to address the growing concerns of workers could trigger a stronger response from organised labour. Although no date has been fixed for any industrial action, the threat signals the possibility of a major confrontation between organised labour and the government if the issues remain unresolved.
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