The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has announced a two-day nationwide mass protest scheduled for February 27 and 28.
The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, stated this at the Labour House, Abuja, during an emergency session held on Friday, February 16, 2024.
According to him, the decision to stage a protest was made after the 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government regarding the nationwide hardships had expired.
The deadline was given to emphasize the demands for reforms aimed at alleviating the ongoing hardships experienced by Nigerians.
The unions accused the Federal Government of failing to implement the agreement reached in October.
“It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice,” Ajaero said.
Recall that following President Bola Tinubu’s move to scrap a popular yet costly fuel subsidy last May, coupled with his administration’s decision to lift restrictions on currency trading, petrol prices skyrocketed, more than tripling in value.
On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gave a two-week ultimatum to the government to meet demands ranging from wage increments to improved access to public utilities and accused it of failing to uphold pledges to soften the impact of reforms.
Africa’s biggest economy is now grappling with a cost of living crisis, fueled by the highest inflation rate in nearly three decades.
The widespread insecurity has also hit agricultural output, fuelling food price inflation.
The unions, in a statement, gave the government 14 days to deal with “issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers.”