Economic downturn: NLC says no going back on national protests

Organised labour in Nigeria led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will today commence a two-day rally to protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

This came after a late-night meeting between the Federal Government and the organised labour union on Monday night that resulted in a deadlock.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said after the meeting with government representatives on the eve of the protest that the rally will go on as planned while assuring that it will be conducted peacefully.

The meeting, hosted by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was not open to the media.

The conference was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, as well as the Ministers of Labour, Agriculture, Finance, Budget, and Planning, and the Federation’s Head of Service.

Joe Ajaero, National President of the NLC, led the group, while Festus Osifo led the delegation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The Nigerian government had asked the NLC to shelve its proposed nationwide demonstration on February 27 and 28, 2024, arguing that it had met the demands of the labour group.

Despite this, the labour union emphasised the need for the government to implement its agreements with them and tackle the raging economic crisis that has taken a heavy toll on the citizens.

The West African country is dealing with high inflation, a currency crisis, and a high cost of living caused by the removal of subsidies on petrol, which has further worsened the situation across the country.