BREAKING: NLC Suspends Nationwide Protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to halt its countrywide protests that took place across various states of the federation earlier today.
In a statement released after the conclusion of its National Executive Council meeting, the Labour stated that the desired goals of the protest were successfully accomplished during the initial day of the demonstration.
“Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows: to suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success and thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day,” the union announced on Tuesday evening.
It is worth noting that Nigeria has experienced a series of challenges, including rising inflation, food inflation, a forex crisis, economic hardship, and a high cost of living. These issues have been exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidy, leading to protests in various parts of the country.
In an attempt to address the situation, the Presidency held discussions with labour leaders on Monday night. However, the meeting ended without reaching a resolution as the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) insisted on proceeding with the protest.
As a result, economic activities were brought to a halt across the country on Tuesday by the NLC.
Labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protest was not solely focused on demanding a review of the minimum wage but also aimed to draw attention to the prevailing hunger in the nation.
Ajaero said, “You have to understand it. This protest is about hunger. What of those who are not working? The minimum wage, when will it be completed? When will it be implemented? What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?”
The communiqué further stated, “the highest organ of the NLC suspended street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success and thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.
“However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress, including the National Headquarters.
“To reaffirm and extend the 7-day ultimatum by another 7 days, which now expires on the 13th day of March 2024, within which the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of the 2nd day of October 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.
“To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.”
