NLC nationwide protest kicks off Tuesday in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna others over economic hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest in Ikeja, Lagos, Abuja the federal capital territory, Kaduna, Oyo among others over the high level of economic hardship in the country.

The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions like #End hunger and poverty now, save the naira, stop collapse of industries, stop job losses.

The planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the lingering economic situation in Nigeria kicked off in Lagos Tuesday as union members gathered at the Ikeja under bridge, singing, dancing and calling on the government to give listening ears to their demands.

Operatives of the Department of State Service and Policemen provided needed security as the protesters march from Ikeja under bridge to Alausa, the Lagos state government secretariat.

The Nigeria Labour Congress led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero in collaboration with civil society groups marched through the streets of Abuja to the National Assembly where they were addressed by a spokesperson from the Senate.

Ajero said the way to lead Nigeria is to guarantee the security of lives and property of the people, create wealth and strengthen the nation’s economy.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the federal government to take immediate measures to address the hunger in the land.

NLC President says increasing electricity tariff and the price of domestic gas at a time Nigerians are groaning under economic conditions is insensitive to people’s plight.

The protest took place in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital where protesters were addressed by Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor.

The union is protesting against security challenges and the removal of fuel subsidy – a development that triggered the unbearable increase in the prices of petroleum and foodstuffs across the country since May 2023.

Following the fuel subsidy removal in May, the NLC reached agreements with the Federal Government but according to the union, the government has yet to fulfil the agreements.

Already, the protest has ended to continue tomorrow Wednesday as protesters in Lagos demand to be addressed tomorrow by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor.

Meanwhile, in a bid to avert the protest, the government had a meeting with the union on Monday but the meeting ended in a stalemate.