The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on industrial action if the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across the country is not urgently addressed.
The labour centres issued the warning during a joint media briefing held on the sidelines of the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the labour leaders, the persistent insecurity across various parts of the country continues to endanger the lives of workers and ordinary Nigerians, stressing that the government must take decisive steps to restore safety and public confidence.
The unions warned that failure to effectively tackle the security crisis could compel organised labour to mobilise workers for industrial action as a means of drawing attention to the deteriorating situation.
The NLC and TUC also dismissed reports suggesting that some state governments were currently negotiating with workers on a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage.
They maintained that such claims do not reflect the realities of ongoing discussions regarding workers’ welfare and remuneration, urging state governments to engage in transparent and genuine consultations on issues affecting workers.
The labour leaders reiterated their commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers while calling on government authorities at all levels to prioritise both security and economic well-being.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnappings, bandit attacks, and other violent crimes across several parts of the country.
