President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night met with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a consultative session aimed at addressing the union’s proposed nationwide protest over rising insecurity.

The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, began around 11:27pm and included NLC President Joe Ajaero, governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Minister of Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The NLC had earlier announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 17, citing the country’s “degenerating security situation.” Ahead of the planned protest, the congress also raised concerns about an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and disrupt the demonstration.

Speaking after the meeting, Ajaero said the union would reconsider its protest plans after reviewing the president’s input. He emphasized that any decision would be collective, noting that the NLC does not operate under the authority of a single individual.

“We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow you will get the outcome,” Ajaero stated.

He added: “Whether I am insisting on or not insisting on the protest, I will communicate to you; it is not an organisation that one person rules. After a meeting of labour and the governors’ forum, we go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us and move forward from there.”

Governor Uzodimma described the engagement as productive, assuring Nigerians that updates would follow. “Consultation is going on; we were dialoguing… We are all working in service to the nation,” he said.

Minister Onyejeocha confirmed that the NLC leadership received the audience it requested with the president. As of now, it remains unclear whether the planned December 17 protest has been suspended or cancelled, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday.