Why we suspended our nationwide protest – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its two-day national protest as a result of what they called the economic hardships in the country.

Following its Tuesday night National Executive Council meeting, the Congress announced in a news release that the first day of the demonstration had achieved its objectives.

The union, however, issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum during Tuesday’s nationwide demonstration, which ends on March 13.

The ultimatum calls for the full implementation of the October 2, 2023 agreement in addition to other requests mentioned in the union’s letter.

The press statement, bearing the signatures of Joe Ajaero, the President, and Ismail Bello, the Acting General Secretary, obtained by Persecondnews, said:”To halt street activity on the first day of the protest after achieving tremendous success and achieving the main goals of the two-day demonstration on the first day.

“Yet tomorrow, state Councils of the Congress, including the National Headquarters, will hold simultaneous press conferences in every state of the federation, marking the continuation of nationwide action.

“To reiterate and extend the seven-day ultimatum by an additional seven days, ending on March 13, 2024, during which the Government is required to carry out all of the previous agreement from October 2, 2023, as well as additional demands stated in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.

“To convene and determine subsequent courses of action in the event that the Government declines to abide by the demands outlined in the ultimatum after the 14-day period has passed.

“NEC reaffirms the NLC’s commitment to upholding and advancing the goals and interests of Nigerian labourers and the oppressed masses once more.”

A two-day statewide demonstration was called by NLC President in response to the harsh economic realities that the majority of Nigerian workers face following the withdrawal of the country’s petrol subsidy.

Ajaero asserted during the Abuja demonstration that the exorbitant cost of food is the reason why more than 50 million Nigerians go to bed hungry these days.

The labour leader also alleged that the federal government had “broken its pledge to provide palliatives to lessen the impact of the elimination of subsidies”