The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a two-day nationwide protest scheduled for February 27th and 28th, 2024. This decision comes in the wake of an emergency meeting by the NLC’s National Executive Council to address concerns regarding the state of the economy and escalating insecurity in the country.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, the National President of the NLC, emphasised that the protest follows a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, set to expire on February 23rd. Ajaero stressed that the government must not disregard this deadline.
The ultimatum, issued jointly with the Trade Union Congress on February 8th, outlined demands encompassing wage increases and improved access to public services. The NLC accused the government of failing to fulfill promises aimed at alleviating the impact of recent reforms.
According to the NLC, these reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of currency trading, have led to soaring inflation, plunging millions of Nigerian workers into financial hardship and insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration implemented these reforms, causing petrol prices to more than triple and exacerbating economic challenges for citizens.
Further details on the planned protest will be provided in subsequent updates.