A late-night meeting between the Federal Government and Organised Labour on Monday at the State House in Abuja concluded without resolution, setting the stage for a planned nationwide protest.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the protest following the stalemate, emphasizing its constitutional obligation to ensure a peaceful rally.

“The rally goes on and it is part of their constitutional responsibility to ensure that the rally is peaceful,” said the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, after the meeting with government representatives on the eve of the protest.

Chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the closed-door meeting was attended by key government officials including the Attorney General, Ministers of Labour, Agriculture, Finance, Budget & Planning, and the Head of Service of the Federation, alongside representatives from both labour centers.

The two labour centres in the country were also in attendance.

The NLC delegation was led by its National President, Joe Ajaero; while Festus Osifo led the delegation by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

While the Federal Government appealed to the NLC to shelve its planned nationwide protest slated for February 27 and 28, 2024, citing partial fulfillment of demands, the labour union stressed the urgency for the government to address the economic crisis plaguing Nigeria, including inflation, forex challenges, and the removal of petrol subsidy.

Despite government pressure to deter the planned strike, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the nationwide protest slated for February 27 and 28, 2024.