NLC Backs Nationwide Teachers’ Strike, Demands Urgent Action Against Rising Wave of Kidnappings

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike embarked upon by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing the action as a justified response to the persistent abduction of teachers and students across the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the coordinated industrial action reflects the determination of teachers to protect themselves and their pupils in the face of worsening insecurity.

According to the labour centre, the strike serves as a strong message to governments at all levels to take the escalating security crisis more seriously and implement concrete measures to safeguard lives and property.

The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Comrade Titus Audu Amba, for what it described as a thoughtful and courageous decision aimed at drawing national attention to the dangers confronting educators and schoolchildren.

Ajaero expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of workers, particularly teachers, local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health workers, many of whom have become frequent targets of kidnappers and armed criminal groups.

He said the labour movement was deeply saddened by reports and images showing children abducted and allegedly subjected to harsh conditions by bandits in the forests of Oyo State.

“As a nation, we cannot continue to watch helplessly while this horror unfolds from Zamfara to Oyo, and from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt,” the statement said.

The NLC warned that it may organise solidarity actions alongside teachers and other affected workers if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling the security challenges facing citizens.

Ajaero noted that the Congress has consistently advocated stronger security measures, citing two national security summits and several protests organised in recent years, including a nationwide demonstration in 2024 despite pressure from some quarters to shelve the action.

He recalled that following the abduction of students in Oriire, Oyo State, the NLC had warned about the growing danger of citizens losing confidence in government and turning to criminal elements for protection if insecurity was not decisively addressed.

The labour leader lamented that subsequent mass abductions in Plateau, Kogi and other states have further highlighted the severity of the crisis and raised concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security operations.

While acknowledging the operational challenges confronting security agencies, the NLC urged governments at all levels to move beyond assurances and sympathy messages and adopt measurable strategies capable of restoring public confidence and securing communities.

The Congress also called for the immediate rescue and safe return of all abducted persons currently being held by kidnappers across the country.

“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held,” Ajaero demanded.