"Hundreds of supporters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday, protesting worsening insecurity across the country and warning that kidnappings, mass killings and armed attacks are increasingly affecting workers and civilians. Footage shows demonstrators marching along major roads, waving flags, chanting slogans and singing protest songs. Placards carried by protesters read, 'No security, no peace, no development' and 'Pay medical workers now'. Funmi Sesi, Chairperson of the Lagos Nigeria Labour Congress, accused the government of failing to uphold its constitutional duty to protect citizens. “The government took an oath to protect our lives and provide for the needs of Nigeria,” she said. Sesi also rejected calls for foreign intervention, citing past conflicts elsewhere in the region. “We said no to an invasion of Nigeria by any Western world,” she said, referencing Libya, while urging authorities to demonstrate “accountability and sincerity of purpose.” Addressing the rally, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities at Nigeria’s state oil company. “Based on a report of an audit firm, 210 trillion naira cannot be explained by the NNPC,” Falana said, arguing that recovering such funds could help clear national debts and finance public services. The protest comes as labour unions and political stakeholders met on Tuesday amid ongoing consultations over a possible nationwide strike, driven by mounting economic hardship, insecurity and wage-related grievances. Nigeria’s Presidency and the Governors’ Forum have since stepped up engagement with union leaders, calling for dialogue and restraint as tensions continue to rise."