The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared in a communiqué following its National Executive Council meeting that the protest’s goals were met on the first day of the demonstration, calling off its countrywide rallies that were taking place across several states on Tuesday.
A part of the communiqué states, “Hence, the NEC-in-session has opted to suspend street action for the second day of the protest, as the primary objectives of the two-day demonstration were accomplished on the first day.”
Nigeria has been grappling with escalating inflation, food price hikes, a forex crisis, economic hardships, and a heightened cost of living following the removal of the petrol subsidy, leading to protests across the country.
In a last-minute meeting on Monday night, the Presidency engaged with labor leaders, but the discussions ended in a stalemate as the NLC insisted on proceeding with the planned protest.
Despite the efforts, the NLC effectively disrupted economic activities nationwide on Tuesday. Labor leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protest aimed to address not only the demand for a minimum wage review but also the pressing issue of widespread hunger.
In emphasizing the motive behind the protest, Ajaero expressed, “This protest is centered on hunger. What about those who are unemployed? When will the minimum wage be finalized and implemented to alleviate hunger?”
The subsequent communiqué reiterated that the NLC’s highest authority suspended street action for the protest’s second day, citing overwhelming success in accomplishing the key objectives during the initial day.
“However, nationwide action will endure tomorrow, with simultaneous press conferences conducted across all states of the federation by the state councils of the Congress, in addition to the National Headquarters.”
The NLC plans to extend the 7-day ultimatum by another week, establishing a new deadline of March 13, 2024. During this timeframe, the government is expected to implement the agreements on October 2, 2023, and address further demands outlined in today’s nationwide protest letter.
“To convene and discuss additional courses of action if the government does not meet the specified demands within the 14 days following the expiration of the ultimatum.”
