Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have warned that they may embark on a nationwide industrial action if the escalating insecurity across the country is not urgently addressed.
The labour centres issued the warning during a joint media briefing held on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, where they expressed concern over the increasing incidents of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.
According to the union leaders, the persistent attacks on communities, abductions of citizens and growing threats to lives and livelihoods have reached alarming levels, requiring immediate and decisive intervention by the government.
They stressed that insecurity has continued to undermine economic activities, threaten workers' safety and worsen the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
The labour leaders cautioned that organised labour would not remain silent while citizens live in fear, warning that failure by authorities to stem the tide of violence could trigger industrial action across the country.
The NLC and TUC called on security agencies and relevant government institutions to intensify efforts to protect lives and property and restore public confidence in the nation's security architecture.
The unions also dismissed claims by some state governors that discussions were ongoing with workers regarding the payment of a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage.
According to them, such claims do not accurately reflect the current state of negotiations on workers' welfare and remuneration.
They maintained that organised labour remains committed to advocating improved living conditions for Nigerian workers and would continue to engage government at all levels on issues affecting workers' welfare.
The labour centres further urged state governments to be transparent in their engagements with workers and avoid making public statements that could create misconceptions about the status of ongoing discussions.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over renewed attacks in several parts of the country, with labour leaders insisting that safeguarding citizens must remain a top national priority.
