The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its nationwide protests that took place across various states of the federation earlier today. According to a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its National Executive Council meeting, the objectives of the protest were successfully met on the initial day of the demonstration.
The communique partly reads, “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.”
Remember that Nigeria has been grappling with increasing inflation, particularly in food prices, a foreign exchange crisis, economic difficulties, and a high cost of living due to the removal of petrol subsidies, leading to protests in various regions of the country.
Despite last-minute talks between the Presidency and labour leaders on Monday night, which ended without resolution as the NLC maintained its intention to proceed with the protest, the NLC effectively halted economic activities nationwide on Tuesday. Labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protest was driven by concerns about hunger and not solely a demand for a minimum wage review.
Ajaero said, “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?”
The communiqué further stated, “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.”
…………
Note : To submit Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries for publication on Waffi blog (website) or Television 📺, please use the following contact details: You can send an email to info@waffitv.com or reach us via Whatsapp at 07068286500
