NLC Shuts Down Abuja, Backs Indefinite FCTA Workers’ Strike……


Abuja was largely paralysed as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) backed the indefinite strike by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, accusing the administration of withholding wages, pension and housing funds and intimidating staff. The NLC ordered a citywide shutdown and mass mobilisation ahead of a court hearing amid rising tensions. 

Nigeria Labour Congress Accuses Police of Intimidating Local Government Workers in Osun, Warns Against Renewed Crisis After 11-Month Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State has raised alarm over what it described as the intimidation and arrest of local government workers by the police, barely hours after employees resumed duty following an almost 11-month industrial action. The NLC Chairman in the state, Christopher Arapasopo, warned that the development could disrupt the fragile peace that followed the prolonged shutdown of council activities.

According to Arapasopo, reports from several local government areas indicate that workers were being targeted within council premises. Although the Osun State Police Command has not officially confirmed any arrests, sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed that two to three workers were apprehended for allegedly attempting to remove documents from secretariats in Boluwaduro LGA (Otan Ayegbaju) and Egbedore LGA (Awo) shortly after work resumed. Images and videos of the alleged arrests circulated online, intensifying public debate.

Speaking at the Osun State Government’s 2026 annual prayer event in Abere, Arapasopo condemned what he called attempts to criminalise civil servants for performing their duties. He accused the police of allowing themselves to be used for political purposes, alleging that workers were being paraded, humiliated, and forced to kneel. He demanded the immediate release of those detained and warned that labour would not tolerate continued harassment.

The NLC chairman further accused the APC of attempting to destabilise the state, vowing that labour would resist any attempt to plunge Osun into crisis through lawful means. He also linked labour’s stance to political accountability, stating that workers would “vote accordingly” in response to how they are treated.

As of the time of the report, the police had yet to issue an official statement. The incident has heightened concerns that unresolved political and administrative tensions at the local government level could once again strain industrial relations in Osun State, just days after workers returned from a prolonged strike.

Nigerian Students Set January 14 for Nationwide Mass Protest as NANS Moves to Resist Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Reform Laws Amid Growing Opposition

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has fixed January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action to stage a mass protest against the implementation of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s new tax laws, which came into effect on January 1, 2026. The student body has begun nationwide mobilisation, warning that it will lead large-scale demonstrations unless the government suspends the controversial Tax Reform Law.

The planned protest comes amid increasing resistance to the new tax regime, following claims of discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted. Several stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, have called on the federal government to halt the implementation pending clarification.

Despite these concerns, President Tinubu has dismissed calls for suspension, insisting that no major issues have been identified to warrant stopping the reform process. Reacting to the government’s stance, NANS President Olushola Oladoja criticised the decision to proceed with enforcement while key issues remain unresolved, describing it as dismissive of public concerns and democratic engagement.

Oladoja argued that enforcing the tax law without addressing widespread objections undermines transparency and public trust, particularly for policies that significantly affect ordinary Nigerians. He further faulted the Presidency for reaffirming the January 1 commencement date, saying it sidelines citizens most impacted by the reforms.

As part of its action plan, NANS has instructed its structures nationwide to prepare for a peaceful protest in Abuja, with students expected to converge at the Unity Fountain and march to the Presidential Villa. The association is demanding an immediate suspension of the tax law’s implementation to allow for proper review and resolution of the alleged inconsistencies.

NANS warned that failure to heed its demand could trigger sustained student-led protests across the country, adding to mounting pressure on the federal government over the contentious tax reforms.

Senator Oshiomhole Accused of Humiliating Labour Icon Pa Michael Imoudu in Death, Blocking Burial Funds — Daughter Speaks Out

Fresh revelations from the family of Nigeria’s foremost labour leader, Pa Michael Imoudu, have accused former NLC president and ex-Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole of humiliating the late icon even after his death. Dr Veronica Imoudu-Omosun, Pa Imoudu’s daughter, disclosed that despite the establishment of a tripartite burial committee and contributions from unions and the Edo State government, the family received no financial support for his burial. She revealed that Oshiomhole allegedly denied releasing funds, asking the family, “Can’t you bury your father?” His actions reportedly also prevented a lying-in-state in Lagos, depriving workers the opportunity to pay their respects. The revelations raise serious questions about Nigeria’s treatment of its heroes and the legacy of Oshiomhole’s labour leadership.

Abuja Left Groups Reject New 2026 Tax Laws, Call for Nationwide Strike Against Tinubu Administration’s “Cruel” Policy

A coalition of left-leaning organisations under the Network of Abuja Left Groups has condemned Nigeria’s new tax laws set to take effect on January 1, 2026, calling them a “cruel attack” on working citizens. The coalition accused the Tinubu administration of using taxation to impoverish Nigerians amid rising inflation and subsidy removals, and alleged that lawmakers altered the laws after passage, showing “criminal intent.” Urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to resist the policy, the groups demanded the immediate suspension and repeal of the laws, citing historical resistance to unjust taxation as precedent.

NLC President Ajaero, Sowore Lead Nationwide Protest Over Rising Insecurity and Economic Woes

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by President Comrade Joe Ajaero and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, staged a nationwide protest demanding urgent government action on rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions. Despite last-minute intervention attempts by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the federal government, the protest proceeded peacefully. The NLC highlighted kidnappings, killings, and growing poverty—affecting over 139 million Nigerians—as major concerns. Protesters called for harsher penalties for kidnappers, protection of citizens’ democratic rights, and meaningful government interventions to restore safety and public confidence.

BREAKING: NLC, Civil Society Groups Stage Massive Protest in Lagos, March to Governor’s Office Over Worsening Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in collaboration with several civil society organisations, on Wednesday staged a massive protest in Lagos to demand urgent action over Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Protesters marched from Ikeja to the Lagos State Government House, carrying placards and banners condemning killings, kidnappings, and violent crimes across the country. They accused authorities of failing to protect lives and property, stressing that security is a fundamental human right and urging the Federal Government to end what they described as empty rhetoric and take concrete steps to address the growing insecurity.

Senior Staff Association Backs NLC Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity, Condemns Tinubu Government’s ‘Anti-Poor’ Economic Policies

The Precision, Electrical, and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA) has endorsed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-led nationwide protest, describing it as a necessary response to worsening insecurity and deepening economic hardship across Nigeria. In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Rufus Olusesan, the union accused the Tinubu-led government of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, while pursuing neoliberal policies that have pushed workers and the poor into severe hardship. PERESSA cited subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, naira floatation, rising energy costs and a proposed new tax regime as measures eroding wages, worsening poverty and fuelling insecurity. The association called for a united labour front involving the NLC, TUC, civil society and progressive groups to resist policies it said favour the elite at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

President Tinubu meets NLC leaders over planned nationwide protest against insecurity

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held a meeting with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of last-minute efforts to stop plans by the Labour union to embark on a strike action over the growing insecurity across the country.

Last week, the congress declared a nationwide protest for December 17 over the “degenerating security situation” across the country.

The meeting, which was held at the State House, Abuja, started at about 11:27pm and had Joe Ajaero, NLC president, Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state and the Minister of Labour and EMployment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in attendance.

The NLC had on Tuesday evening raised the alarm over an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and violently disrupt its planned nationwide protest.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the NLC president said the labour union would reconsider its protest plans after reviewing President Tinubu’s input.
He said the congress team would regroup following a dedicated session with governors to evaluate next moves.

Ajaero described the presidential encounter as consultative only, noting that the labour union would deliberate internally before announcing outcomes on Wednesday, December 17.

The NLC president did not say whether the planned protest has been suspended or cancelled but noted that the union would meet and take a decision after the consultation with the president.

“We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow you will get the outcome. Whether I am insisting on or not insisting on the protest, I will communicate to you; it is not an organisation that one person rules. Let’s go back; after a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum, we go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us and move forward from there’’ he said

Nigeria Labour Congress Warns of Plot to Disrupt Nationwide Protest, Says Any Attack on Peaceful Protesters Will Be Treated as Terrorism

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over what it described as a clandestine plan to violently disrupt its nationwide National Day of Protest and Mourning scheduled for December 17, 2025. In a statement signed by Acting General Secretary Benson Upah, the labour centre said it received credible intelligence that armed thugs allegedly sponsored by political interests were being mobilised to infiltrate and attack peaceful protesters. The NLC warned that any such attack would amount to terrorism and vowed to shut down the country with an indefinite nationwide strike if a single protester is harmed. The planned protest, according to the Congress, is aimed at drawing attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity marked by killings, kidnappings and widespread violence, while urging security agencies, especially the police, to protect citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

Nigerian Police Place Commands on High Alert Ahead of NLC Nationwide Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has put all state commands and tactical units on high alert ahead of a nationwide protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) scheduled to begin Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Key locations for the demonstrations include Lagos and Abuja. The police have directed commanders to deploy sufficient personnel to strategic locations, maintain a visible presence to deter criminal elements, and engage labour leaders to ensure peaceful conduct. Officers are instructed to follow professional standards, rules of engagement, and respect human rights, with camouflage dress code until further notice.

Nigerian Federal Workers Back NLC’s December 17 Nationwide Protest, Describe Action As Long Overdue

Federal workers under the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) have thrown their weight behind the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s planned nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, 2025, describing it as a long-overdue national intervention. The workers accused the Federal Government of failing in its core responsibilities amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poor healthcare delivery, and underfunding of education. They called on all Nigerians to join the protest, urged labour unity with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and demanded the immediate payment of outstanding wage arrears owed to federal workers.

NLC Declares Nationwide Protest for December 17 Over Insecurity, Education Collapse, Economic Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, 2025, citing worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, failing tertiary education, prolonged health sector strikes, and political interference in the Labour Party. Following its NEC meeting in Lagos, the NLC condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and criticised lapses in security deployment. The union warned that 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, according to the latest World Bank report. It also raised concerns over decaying university infrastructure, unpaid staff allowances, and the ongoing Joint Health Sector Unions strike. The NLC vowed to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition and described the planned protest as necessary to force action on national crises affecting security, education, the economy, and governance.

BREAKING NEWS: The NLC to hold nationwide protest on December 17 over worsening insecurity in the country

Kebbi Governor Demands Probe Into Soldier Withdrawal Before Schoolgirls’ Abduction
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called on the military to identify who ordered the withdrawal of soldiers from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits abducted students.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi while receiving NLC President Joe Ajaero, Idris said the state had earlier received intelligence about a possible attack, convened a security meeting, and was assured by security agencies that additional personnel would protect the school.
According to him, troops were deployed but pulled out around 3 a.m., and the attack occurred about 45 minutes later. The governor described the situation as highly suspicious and demanded a full investigation to determine who authorised the withdrawal at such a critical moment.
Idris said both state and federal authorities were working to secure the girls’ release, thanking President Tinubu for dispatching top officials to Kebbi. He also urged clerics to intensify prayers, warning that “enemies of the nation” were trying to destabilise the government.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, on a sympathy visit, said the abduction appeared to be “more than a coincidence” and called on the state to remain focused despite attempts to derail its progress.
Twenty-five girls were kidnapped during Monday’s attack, which also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, though the government confirmed that two of the abducted students had escaped.

Edo: Health workers call off 7-day warning strike as Gov Okpebholo succumbs to demands.

The Edo State Government has succumbed to the demands of the State Council of the Medical and Health Workers Union, MHWUN, for improved conditions of service and enhanced welfare packages for its members.

The union had on Friday, 17 October 2025, commenced a seven-day warning strike to press home its demands for improved working conditions and welfare packages for members.

A statement signed by Comrade Ogbeide Omon Osagie, State Chairman and Comrade Barivure Kpakol, Secretary, respectively, dated October 16, 2025, stated that the warning strike follows the expiration of the 14-day notice earlier issued to the state government.

The succumbed to the demands of the health workers, following an intense meeting between the state government representatives, the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the leadership of MHWUN on October 19, 2025.

At the meeting, the state government agreed to fulfil all the demands of the union, just as the union had also agreed to call off the warning strike.

The State Government representatives at the meeting are Anthony Okungbowa, Head of Service, Edo State, Godwin Esheishi, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity and Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health.

Bernard Egwuakhide Joman, chairman, NLC in the state represented the organised labour, Ogbeide Omon Osagie, state chairman of MHWUN while

Comrade Oisamaiye Godwin represented the State Joint Negotiating Council, JNC.

ASUU Meets Today to Review Ongoing University Strike.

The national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will convene today, Tuesday, to assess its stance on the ongoing strike by university lecturers across the country.

Sources within the union confirmed that the meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will focus on reviewing developments from recent engagements with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Discussions are expected to center on unresolved issues, including funding for public universities, lecturers’ welfare, and the implementation of past agreements.

The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the union extends or suspends the industrial action that has disrupted academic activities in federal and state universities nationwide.

ASUU had embarked on the strike several weeks ago over what it described as the government’s failure to honour previous commitments on university revitalisation, earned academic allowances, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments.

Stakeholders have urged both parties to find a lasting resolution to prevent further damage to the already strained education sector. The union is expected to issue a formal statement after the meeting outlining its next steps.

ASUU Strike Deepens as NLC Issues 4 Week Ultimatum to FG Over Broken Promises.

According to report by Punch newspaper on Tuesday October 21, 2025, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have joined forces to demand a lasting solution to the persistent instability in Nigeria’s university system.

During a meeting held at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, labour leaders from ASUU, SSANU, COEASU, and ASUP deliberated on the ongoing strike affecting universities nationwide. The NLC issued a four week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude negotiations with all unions in the education sector or face a nationwide industrial action.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said the union declared the strike following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum. He cited unresolved issues such as unpaid salaries, unfulfilled agreements, and poor infrastructure.

NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that workers would no longer tolerate government’s neglect of agreements. He condemned the “no work no pay” policy, saying it would now be replaced with “no pay, no work,” stressing that most strikes occur due to government’s failure to honour deals.

Ajaero insisted that if the government fails to act within four weeks, all Nigerian workers will join in a nationwide protest. ASUU vowed to resist further insincerity in negotiations, urging government to prioritise education.

The ASUU strike has now entered its eighth day.

NLC Threatens Nationwide Action if FG Fails to End ASUU Strike, Gives Deadline.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join forces with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if the Federal Government fails to conclude negotiations with unions in the tertiary education sector.

The decision was announced by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during an interactive session with labour correspondents in Abuja, following a meeting between the NLC and leaders of tertiary institutions’ unions held at the Congress headquarters.

His statement, “We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU, but the problems extend beyond ASUU,” Ajaero stated.

“If after four weeks these negotiations are not concluded, the organs of the NEC will meet to decide on a nationwide action involving all workers and unions in the country, to ensure that lasting solutions are found.”

The NLC also criticised the Federal Government’s no-work-no-pay policy imposed on members of ASUU for embarking on strike, describing it as unjust and provocative.

“The so-called policy of no work, no pay will henceforth be no pay, no work. You cannot benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that most strike actions in this country — up to 90% — are caused by the government’s failure to honour agreements,” Ajaero added.

Nigeria’s tertiary education system has been plagued by instability, with the ongoing ASUU strike leading to the closure of universities nationwide.

ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, had announced the strike during a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues such as staff welfare, salary arrears, infrastructure decay, and the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Osun NLC backs JUSUN strike, faults JSC on workers’ neglect.

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State Chapter.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NLC urged the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, to prioritise the welfare of judiciary workers in accordance with existing policies and commitments.

The statement which was signed by the NLC Chairperson, Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, described JUSUN’s grievances as legitimate and long overdue, citing consistent neglect and administrative insensitivity as reasons for the strike.

According to Arapasopo, the demands of JUSUN include the implementation of pending promotions and entitlements for 2024 and 2025, the restoration of imprest and statutory allowances, sponsorship of staff training at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, and the provision of official and utility vehicles to boost productivity.

“It is regrettable that judiciary workers continue to face neglect despite their critical role in the administration of justice. Their welfare must not be treated with indifference or delay,” the statement said.

The Congress expressed concern over what it termed the indifference of the Honourable Chief Judge and Chairman of the JSC, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“It is disheartening that workers in ministries and other agencies on the same grade levels as judiciary staff have received their 2024 and even 2025 promotion letters, with corresponding salary adjustments, while judiciary workers continue to lag behind. This is grossly unfair and unacceptable,” the statement read.

The NLC also cautioned against a growing culture of impunity and abuse of office within the judicial arm, warning that such actions undermine staff morale and institutional credibility.