By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday, joined their counterpart in other parts of Nigeria to protest against insecurity in the country.

The protest rally took off at about 11:05am from NLC Secretariat located at Regina Caeli junction and terminated at the popular Unizik junction Awka, had in attendance all the affiliated Unions in the state in attendance.

In his address after the protest, the state Chairman of NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, said the rally was purposed to draw attention of the federal government to the worsening security situation across the country.

He said: "The Nigerian workers can no longer remain silent in the face of relentless bloodshed, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, and other violent crimes that continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national cohesion.

"From rural communities to urban centres, Nigerians now live in fear-uncertain of their safety at workplaces, on highways, in farms, schools, markets, and even within the supposed safety of their homes. As the umbrella body of Nigerian workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress considers the protection of lives and property as fundamental to productivity, economic stability, and social progress.

"A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens cannot sustain development, attract investment, or secure a dignified and prosperous future for its workforce.

"Across Nigeria, workers are among the worst victims of this growing insecurity. Many have lost colleagues, loved ones, and their means of livelihood. Businesses are shutting down, agricultural production is declining, transportation costs are escalating, and inflationary pressures are intensifying-largely driven by the pervasive insecurity.

"Once again, it is the working people and the poor who bear the heaviest burden of this national crisis.

"This peaceful protest rally is neither an act of hostility nor a declaration of confrontation against government. Rather, it is a constitutional, lawful, and moral demand for urgent, decisive, and coordinated action to address the security challenges confronting our nation."

While calling on the Federal Government to significantly strengthen its efforts, provide adequate support, modern equipment, and welfare for Nigeria's security personnel, the Chairman urged government to apply more effective strategies, saying: "The measures currently in place have proven insufficient to guarantee the safety of citizens across the country.

"The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to peaceful engagement, national unity, and the collective struggle for a safer, just, and more secure Nigeria where workers and citizens can live and work without fear."