Today was a day of protest across the country as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led its members on demonstrations over the current economic challenges in the country. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, delivered a letter to the leadership of the National Assembly for transmission to President Bola Tinubu as it calls on the government to prioritize citizens’ well-being. News correspondents captured the protests in Abuja, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, other states in the South West and the North East.
According to a news reporter, the NLC is on the march again less than six months after a similar exercise. The Congress is worried about the widespread hunger in the midst of rising costs of products and the weakening of the naira. From its headquarters in Abuja, NLC members marched through the streets of Abuja chanting solidarity songs such as “Aluta continua!” amidst every security presence. “Suffering for the worker,” said one of the protesters. You know, no worker can live on the ₦30,000 minimum wage. And over 150 million Nigerians are living below poverty line.”
Protesters deliver urgent plea to President Tinubu.
Soon, the protesters arrived at the National Assembly with a letter to President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the leadership of the National Assembly. Ajaero said, “We are suffering. As a matter of urgency, the Federal Government should announce immediate measures to stop hunger.” The parliament is hopeful of a near end to the current hardship. In response, Chairman of Senate CMTE on Employment and Productivity, Diket Plang, said, “We are sensitive. Our leadership are restless to ensure that we mitigate the issue of hunger, unemployment and insecurity. But all of us must be on the same page. It’s my duty. It’s your duty. We all must agree and work towards making sure that Nigerians are safe, Nigerians are not hungry and Nigerians are secured.”
Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and Employment, Adegboyega Adefarati, said, “We face the same challenges. These economic challenges and hardship faced by Nigerians is borne by us too. I want to assure you that the leadership of the National Assembly will look into your [NLC’s] requests and demands and take swift and thought action.” Reporters also gathered that the NLC had said that its mission was accomplished on day one of its mass protests. The resolution after the protests was that the National Executive Council of the congress would meet later in the day to review their effort as the congress was to take a decision on the next line of action.
Lagos Chapter of the congress also held protests at the governor’s office.
At about eight in the morning of February 27, 2024, members of the NLC took to the streets of Lagos to protest against the economic hardship in the country. Amidst tight security and watchful eyes of the men of the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the workers started the walk under the bridge in Ikeja and had a brief stop at Allen Avenue before proceeding to the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja. They chanted as they had their walk.
Funmi Sessi, NLC Chairperson in Lagos State, said that in unity freedom was definitely around the corner. “Nigerians today, let us rise and let us tell Mr. President what he is supposed to hear,” she remarked at the protest. “What do we need to tell Mr. President?” The crowd chorused, “Nigerians are hungry! There is hunger in the land!” She further said that it was the civic responsibilities of the government to provide for the citizens as well as the fact that Nigerians have the human rights for the government to give them all that they needed.
Related Article: AGF urges NLC to halt nationwide protest
Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, received the protesters at the Governor’s Office and assured them of the state’s commitment to the welfare of workers. He said that the House raised the issue and deliberated on it extensively. A resolution was also passed to the governor to implement. He acknowledged that the governor has inaugurated a committee regarding this and the members have started holding meetings to start implementing all the policies that the government announced during the last media chat. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) refused to join the protests.
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