Press Briefing by the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benin City – December 17, 2025
Dear Comrades and Members of the Press,
On behalf of the Edo State Council of the NLC, I welcome you to this important briefing on today’s nationwide protest organized by the NLC. The protest is a response to the growing wave of insecurity across our nation—a crisis that has affected everyone, from our mothers, fathers, children, and students to workers, professionals, and community members. Kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crime have become everyday realities, threatening the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.
At the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 4, 2025, in Lagos, it was resolved that the teeming Nigerian workforce must express its concern over the state of insecurity and the impact of harmful economic policies. Today, December 17, 2025, was declared a national day of protest to highlight these critical issues. All state councils, including Edo, fully support this decision and are committed to mobilizing workers in peaceful protest.
Let me emphasize: this protest is not a confrontation with the Nigerian State or the Edo State Government. Rather, it is a legitimate and civilized effort to remind the government of its fundamental duty to protect lives and property. No progressive workers’ movement can remain idle while citizens live under constant threat.
Regrettably, we have received reports of attempts by certain individuals to sabotage the protest, spread disaffection among workers, and incite chaos for personal or political gain. A false press release circulated by a self-proclaimed leader of workers in Edo State reflects these malicious intentions. The Edo NLC firmly rejects any attempt to politicize this protest and will not allow labor opportunists to exploit the situation.
We call on all affiliated unions, progressive workers, and civil society activists to maintain the spirit of peaceful protest while upholding order. The Edo NLC urges the State Government to distance itself from those seeking to politicize the labor movement and to collaborate with credible NLC leadership to depoliticize the council.
Our message is clear: “enough is enough”. The wave of insecurity in our country must end, and the safety of every citizen must be prioritized.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Accerta!
Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen
Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Edo NLC
For and on behalf of the Edo State Council of NLC
17th December, 2025
