NLC Suspends Protests, Extends Ultimatum After Achieving Objectives on First Day
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to halt its nationwide protests, which commenced earlier today in various states of the federation. This decision came after the Labour’s National Executive Council meeting, where it was concluded that the objectives of the protest had been met on the first day.
The NLC’s communiqué stated, “Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows: to suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.”
Nigeria has been grappling with challenges such as rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, economic hardships, and a high cost of living, which have sparked protests in different parts of the country. These challenges were exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidy.
Despite last-minute talks between the Presidency and labour leaders on Monday night, the meeting ended without a resolution, leading to the NLC’s decision to proceed with the protest. However, the NLC effectively shut down economic activities across the country on Tuesday.
Labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protest was not just about a review of the minimum wage but also about hunger, particularly for those who are unemployed. He questioned the delay in implementing a minimum wage that would alleviate the suffering of many Nigerians.
The NLC’s communiqué also announced that nationwide action would continue on the following day with simultaneous press conferences across all states. Additionally, the NLC extended its ultimatum to the government by another seven days, expiring on the 13th of March, 2024. This ultimatum demands the implementation of all agreements reached on the 2nd of October, 2023, and other demands presented during today’s protest.
Vanguard News
