The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) announced its intention to stage a two-day nationwide protest addressing the prevailing hardship and deteriorating security in Nigeria.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration following an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja on Friday.
Ajaero revealed that the protest is slated to commence a week after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, ending on February 23.
The scheduled protest days are February 27 and 28.
He stated, “To this end, NEC unanimously noted its deep disappointment and condemned the actions of the federal government in refusing to implement the agreements and reached the following decisions: That it reaffirms the 14days notice issued the federal government within which to implement the Agreement and address the mounting crisis of survival in Nigeria.
“That the Notice expires on the Midnight of Thursday, the 22nd of February, 2024. If on expiration, Congress is not satisfied with the level of Government’s compliance with the conditions of the Notice, it will be at liberty to take action that will compel Government to implement the agreement.
“Declares a 2-day National Protest on 27th and 28th of February to demonstrate outrage on the mounting hardship and insecurity around the nation.
“If demands are not met after the nationwide protests to issue a Seven-Day notice that will expire on the 2nd day of March, 2024 to the federal government after which an indefinite nationwide strike will ensue.
“That Nigerian workers and people are not interested in empty talk now but action so, calls on all of affiliates, state Councils and Civil Society Allies to start mobilizing across the nation for effective action as the deadline approaches,” Ajaero said.
The two-week ultimatum to the government, given on February 8, by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded actions ranging from wage increments to improved access to public utilities.
The NLC accused the government of failing to fulfill pledges to mitigate the impact of reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and lifting of currency trading restrictions, which spiked petrol prices and exacerbated inflation.
Ajaero emphasized that millions of Nigerian workers face hunger, dwindling purchasing power, and insecurity due to the effects of the reforms.
The unions have urged the government not to disregard the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum, stressing the urgency of addressing issues vital to the welfare of the masses and workers.
