The Nigeria Labour Congress has suspended its nationwide protest, which took place in various states of the federation earlier today.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its National Executive Council meeting, the Labour union announced that the objectives of the protest had been achieved on the first day of the demonstration.
The communiqué read, “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.
“The highest organ of the NLC suspended 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.
“However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters.
“To reaffirm and extend the 7-days ultimatum by another 7 days which now expires on the 13th day of March, 2024 within which the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of the 2nd day of October, 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.
“To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.”
It is important to note that Nigeria has been grappling with rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, economic hardship, and high cost of living, triggered by the removal of petrol subsidy, prompting protests across the country.
Despite last-minute talks between the Presidency and labour leaders on Monday night, the meeting ended in a stalemate as the NLC insisted on proceeding with the protest.
On Tuesday, the NLC effectively halted economic activities nationwide, with labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasizing that the protest was fueled by hunger and not solely a demand for a minimum wage review.
Ajaero explained, “You have to understand it. This protest is about hunger. What of those who are not working? The minimum wage, when will it be completed? When will it be implemented? What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?”
