The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday began a nationwide protest to press the government over worsening insecurity, including kidnappings and killings that affect workers and communities.
The action, called a National Day of Protest and Mourning, started at Labour House in Abuja and has spread to several states.
In Kogi, protesters marched from the Zenith Bank junction to the Government House, local organisers said.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said the protest is meant “to call attention to the impact of insecurity on investors and workers, who are kidnapped daily and sometimes killed.”
He said labour would use the demonstration to demand urgent government action.
Labour leaders met President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday night in a late effort to resolve the dispute.
After the meeting, Ajaero did not say whether the protest would be suspended.
The NLC warned that any attempt to violently disrupt the peaceful protest would be “treated as an act of terrorism” and could prompt an “immediate, comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike.”
The union said it had uncovered plots to interfere with the demonstration.
Federal workers and other unions have signalled support for the NLC’s action, raising the possibility of broader labour action if talks fail.
Organisers urged protesters to remain peaceful while calling on security agencies to protect citizens.
The government says it is open to dialogue; updates are expected.
