Following the expiration of the ultimatum given to the Federal Government, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress have taken to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating economic crisis and high cost of living in the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the union had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Government to implement measures against the widespread hardship.
They are also protesting the Government’s alleged failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The Federal Government delegation led by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, met with the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other labour leaders on Monday night to persuade them to shelve the planned protest.
The meeting however ended in deadlock as the union vowed to kick off the protest.
In Abuja, the protest started from the Labour House Headquarters at exactly 9:36 am.
Unions taking part in the protest include the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the FCT Council, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Construction Workers’ Union, among others.
Also present at the national protest is a former Nigeria Country Director, ActionAid, Ene Obi; presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore among others.
The protesters were seen wielding placards with inscriptions such as “#End Poverty and Hunger. Support Local Industries#,” “Fix Local Refineries End Subsidy#;” “#End Naira Devaluation; Tax the Rich Subsidise the poor#” to make their grievances known on the current economic hardship across the country.
Similarly in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the protestors were seen marching towards the Government House gate in the State capital. They are accompanied by Policemen who are protecting to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the rally.
In Lagos, the NLC members gathered at the Ikeja underbridge and were seen singing and dancing while calling on the government to give listening ears to their demands.
Protesters in Jos, Plateau State, gathered at the Secretariat Flyover bridge to urge the Government to act quickly and save Nigerians from further suffering. They also demanded an end to the security challenge in the country.
Jos protest is led by the State NLC Chairman, Eugene Mangji.
Protesters are expected to continue with the peaceful rally tomorrow.
