The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, joined other states, as directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, to stage a peaceful demonstration in trekking from the Murtala Muhammad Library to the Kano State Government House.
They called for a national attention to the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
Dr. Muttaka Yusha’u, Head of the Education Department at the NLC National Secretariat in Abuja, led the procession on behalf of the National President of the Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The demonstration culminated in the delivery of a letter and a detailed synopsis to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, urging him to transmit the workers’ concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Muttaka, while addressing the crowd, emphasized the urgent need for a more coordinated and inclusive approach to tackling the country’s security challenges.
“We are here in Kano in line with the NLC’s decision to organize a peaceful demonstration for the sake of peaceful coexistence,” he said.
“There can be no peace without security. The market women, the peasants, they are all workers. Security is everyone’s concern, whether in the workplace or in the community.”
The letter submitted to the governor outlined the deteriorating security situation across the country, particularly the rise in banditry and other violent crimes.
The NLC urged the federal government to intensify efforts in addressing these threats, which continue to endanger lives, disrupt livelihoods, and undermine national stability.
Dr. Yusha’u also called for enhanced social dialogue as a means to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. “We must engage in more meaningful dialogue to sustain our democratic values and ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard,” he stressed.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faroukh Ibrahim KANO, who addressed the Labour Union on behalf of the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended the peaceful nature of the demonstration and the spirit of cooperation between the government and the labour movement.
“It gives me great pleasure to stand here on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,” the SSG stated.
“This is not just your event it is our event. The peaceful atmosphere here today reflects the synergy between the government and the labour union.”
He described the gathering as a “mature intersection” of ideas and dialogue, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges. “This is a very important engagement. In Kano, we have continued to address security concerns through the professionalism of our security agencies,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state Government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in addressing the growing insecurity across the country Governor Yusuf assured the demonstrators that the government would promptly forward the NLC’s letter and synopsis to the presidency.
“This government is ready to partner with you. We are going to fight this issue together,” he affirmed.
He added that the event marked a significant moment of solidarity between civil society and government, with both parties expressing a shared resolve to restore peace and security across Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NLC Kano State Council, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa Riruwai, lauded both federal and state authorities for their ongoing efforts to address insecurity, while urging for more decisive action.
Comrade Riruwai acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent engagement with labour leaders, noting that the President had invited representatives to the Presidential Villa and directed the formation of a committee to tackle the rising wave of insecurity across the country.
“It is encouraging to see that the President has taken steps by instructing the formation of a committee to address the security crisis,” Riruwai pointed out.
“As a labour movement, we speak up when we are satisfied and when we are not. Today, we are here to express both our concerns and our appreciation.”
He emphasized that security is the foundation of any nation’s stability. “There can be no nation without security. We are fortunate to enjoy relative peace in Kano, and we believe the state government is making commendable efforts to maintain that,” he added.
Riruwai also highlighted the dangers faced by both civilians and security personnel, stressing the need for better protection and support for those on the frontlines. “People are losing their lives, and even security agents are being killed. How can they perform effectively under such threats?” he asked.
He expressed hope that if the Nigeria Governors’ Forum takes coordinated action, meaningful progress could be achieved nationwide. “We are here to deliver this brief from the Congress to draw attention to the insecurity affecting our people,” he added .
Comrade Riruwai lauded the Kano State Government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and expressed confidence in continued collaboration. “We believe that despite any challenges, your administration will succeed. You are doing a great job for our workers, and we have no regrets partnering with you,” he affirmed.
