The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the country, describing the level of insecurity as a serious threat to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
The labour centre made the remarks amid renewed concerns over attacks, killings and other security challenges reported in different parts of the country. The position comes at a time when the government is facing increasing pressure to strengthen security operations and protect communities, workers and businesses.
According to reports, the TUC said the country was effectively in a state of war, pointing to the growing number of violent incidents and the impact of insecurity on ordinary Nigerians. The union’s position reflects concerns that insecurity is no longer limited to isolated areas but has continued to affect economic activities, movement and the ability of citizens to carry out their daily activities safely.
The latest concerns come shortly after an attack on a military base in Kukawa, Borno State, where suspected Islamic State West Africa Province militants attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion. The Nigerian military said troops, supported by the Air Component, repelled the attack and killed more than 25 militants, while ammunition was recovered. A senior military officer separately told the Associated Press that 10 soldiers were killed during the attack.
Beyond the North-East, insecurity has remained a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, with incidents involving kidnapping, armed attacks and other forms of violence continuing to put pressure on security agencies.
The labour movement has consistently linked insecurity with economic hardship, arguing that people cannot fully benefit from economic reforms when they are unable to safely travel, work, farm or conduct business.
Farmers in particular have been affected by insecurity in some parts of the country, with attacks and fear of violence restricting access to farmlands in affected communities. This can also have wider consequences for food supply because disruptions to farming and transportation can contribute to higher prices in markets.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also recently called on the Federal Government to urgently overhaul the country’s security architecture. The council supported decentralised policing but said any new policing structure must be professional, accountable, properly funded and coordinated with existing federal security institutions.
The renewed calls for action come as the government continues to face the difficult task of balancing security spending with other economic priorities. Nigerians are also demanding solutions that go beyond military operations, including stronger intelligence gathering, better policing, improved community engagement and measures that address the economic conditions that can make communities vulnerable to criminal groups.
For workers and businesses, improved security is closely connected to economic recovery. A safer environment would make it easier for people to move freely, businesses to operate longer hours, farmers to access their farms and investors to have greater confidence in different parts of the country.
The TUC’s latest warning is therefore expected to add to the growing pressure on the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger results in its fight against insecurity and ensure that Nigerians can live and work without constant fear of attack or abduction.
