Showdown Looms as NLC Threatens Indefinite Strike Over Alleged Protest Disruption Plot—-The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened that any act of violence against its ongoing National Day of Protest and Mourning on Wednesday could trigger an immediate and indefinite nationwide strike.

The NLC raised alarm over what it described as a clandestine plot by “unscrupulous agencies and political hirelings” to infiltrate and violently disrupt the peaceful protest organised to draw attention to worsening insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said it had received “credible and disturbing intelligence” indicating plans to deploy armed thugs against workers and other citizens participating in the demonstration

“NLC has received credible and disturbing intelligence from its community networks indicating a clandestine plan by unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings to infiltrate and violently disrupt the peaceful National Day of Protest and Mourning organised by workers for Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (today),” the statement read in part.

The labour union stressed that the protest was not politically motivated but a response to the nation’s deepening security crisis and the growing toll of violence on citizens.

“These protests, as every comrade and citizen knows, are a necessary and legitimate response to the escalating reign of terror unleashed on our nation.

“The industrial-scale loss of lives through kidnappings, abductions and killings, amid staggering government indifference or weakness, speaks for itself,” the NLC said.

It added that the action was “not a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security.”

Upah highlighted the impact of insecurity on workers across sectors, saying, “We have lost count of the number of our members, teachers, farmers, miners and other artisans, who have died as a result of this overwhelming insecurity.”

He further warned that NLC was aware of alleged plans to instigate violence.

“Let it be clearly understood by those in the corridors of power and the purveyors of violence that the Congress is now officially aware of their plot to deploy armed thugs to attack peaceful protesters, foment chaos and create a pretext for violent repression.

“We call this plot exactly what it is: state-enabled terrorism against Nigerian citizens,” Upah stated.

The NLC issued what it described as a “stern and final warning” to those allegedly behind the plan.

“Desist immediately. Call off your hoodlums. Any attack on peacefully protesting workers will be regarded as a direct declaration of war on the entire Nigerian working class and its allies,” NLC warned.

The labour union also reminded security agencies of their constitutional obligations, insisting that the Police, having been duly notified of the protest, “must rise to their constitutional responsibility to protect the democratic rights of citizens to freely assemble and express themselves. These rights must be respected and guaranteed.”

Addressing workers and other participants, the NLC urged restraint and unity.

“To all working people of Nigeria, the unemployed, students, traders and all victims of insecurity, we alert you to this insidious plot. Do not be cowed.

“Do not be provoked. Our protest must remain peaceful, disciplined and massive. Solidarity is our shield,” it said.

The NLC issued a stern warning, referencing a resolution of its National Executive Council.

“Should a single worker, comrade or citizen be harmed by hired thugs or through escalated repression, the NLC will immediately declare a comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike,” NLC warned.

“All wheels of production, all services and every sector of the national economy will be shut down completely and indefinitely.”

The NLC stressed that any attempt to crush peaceful dissent would only deepen the crisis.

“When the ruling class moves to crush a peaceful protest against its own failure, it only exposes its profoundly undemocratic tendencies,” Upah stated.

“Let the message be clear and without equivocation: any attack on our protest is an attack on the very engine of Nigeria. The consequence will be escalation and total shutdown.”