Anger, Questions Trail Short-Lived NLC Protest In Abuja
By DAVID JOHN-FLUKE
Public Anger After Short-Lived Abuja Protest
THE abrupt end of the NLC protest in Abuja has triggered public backlash, with workers accusing labour leaders of undermining a critical moment to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The protest, scheduled to begin early, only commenced around 11:15 a.m. and ended within minutes, failing to move beyond the immediate vicinity of the Labour House.
Behind the Delays
NLC officials blamed internal consultations and parallel negotiations with government authorities. However, critics argue that the timing—coming shortly after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and labour leaders—raised suspicions of compromise.
Despite chants and placards demanding action, protesters were prevented from reaching key government institutions such as the National Assembly.
Labour Defends Strategy
Union officials maintained that dialogue complemented protest, stressing that insecurity required coordinated pressure on federal, state and local governments.
They insisted that the protest strengthened ongoing negotiations rather than weakening them.
Public Verdict
Workers and passers-by were unconvinced. Some said the protest failed to reflect the scale of insecurity Nigerians face daily, while others accused labour leaders of shutting down momentum at a critical time.
