News
Labour Alleges Plot To Disrupt Protest, Threatens Indefinite Strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress, on Tuesday, warned that any attempt to interfere with Wednesday’s National Day of Protest and mourning could spark a nationwide indefinite strike.
Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said in a statement that the union had received intelligence suggesting that unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings might try to infiltrate or violently disrupt the demonstrations.
He added that harming even a single worker or citizen would trigger an immediate and indefinite shutdown across all sectors of the economy.
“Our action tomorrow is not just a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the statement read.
The union highlighted the deaths of countless members, teachers, farmers, miners, and other artisans amid escalating insecurity and government inaction.
The union urged all workers, students, traders, and citizens to remain disciplined, peaceful, and united.
“Solidarity is our shield,” it said.
The NLC also called on the police, who have been informed of the protest, to protect citizens’ democratic right to assemble and express their grievances.
The protest, first announced following the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting on December 4, 2025, is intended as a response to a wide range of national crises.
The NEC had expressed serious concern over the country’s worsening security situation, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on 17 November 2025, during which two staff members were killed.
The union condemned the withdrawal of security personnel prior to the attack and called for urgent government intervention.
According to the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update, released in October 2025, approximately 139 million Nigerians, about 61–62 per cent of the population, are living in poverty, a sharp increase from previous years.
The union has previously stressed that protests are necessary to draw attention to government failures in addressing insecurity, economic hardship, industrial disputes, and political accountability.
The union raised concerns about the tertiary education sector, noting that university infrastructure continues to deteriorate, teaching and research resources remain outdated, and staff allowances are often unpaid.
The NEC criticised the Federal Government’s use of divide-and-rule tactics, which undermine union unity and stall negotiations.
It urged the government to implement a fair and uniform remuneration framework for all university workers while recognising the unique needs of different professional groups.
The ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions, which began on 14 November 2025, was also reviewed.
The NLC expressed concern over the withdrawal of nurses from the industrial action and warned that, should negotiations fail, it and its affiliates would join the strike in full solidarity.
The NEC also directed the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition, originally formed under Adams Oshiomhole, to strengthen collaboration between labour organisations and civil society in addressing national issues.
On political matters, the NLC criticised the Labour Party, stating that it had been hijacked by mercantile interests through the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee.
The union resolved to withdraw from these committees and focus on building coalitions with parties whose ideologies align with working-class principles, while continuing to engage with the Labour Party where possible.
The NLC warned those plotting to disrupt tomorrow’s protest to desist immediately. Any attack on peaceful protesters will be treated as a direct declaration of war on the entire Nigerian working class and its allies.
The union emphasised that if even a single worker, comrade, or citizen is harmed during the protest, the NLC will declare an immediate, comprehensive, and indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down all production, services, and sectors of the national economy.
“Any attack on our protest will be an attack on the very engine of Nigeria. The consequence will be an escalation and a total shutdown,” the union stated.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.
The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.
Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.
He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch
He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.
Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.
The ministry said in its official statement:
“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.”
What is Umuganura Day?
Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.
The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.
Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.
History of Umuganura festival
Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.
Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.
Adeleke or Oyebamiji: ChatGPT Predicts Winner of Osun Governorship Election
Painful, Lagos Speaker Obasa Bereaved
BREAKING: Presidency Finally Speaks After APC Governor Builds Beer Factory in Two Years
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
Lagos Imposes ₦250,000 Fine For Illegal Waste Disposal
-
Tech1 day agoPainful, Lagos Speaker Obasa Bereaved
-
News2 days agoFULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police
-
Business1 day agoBREAKING: Presidency Finally Speaks After APC Governor Builds Beer Factory in Two Years
-
Politics18 hours agoAdeleke or Oyebamiji: ChatGPT Predicts Winner of Osun Governorship Election