The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its nationwide protests, declaring victory in its fight against economic hardships on the very first day of demonstrations.
In a decisive move, the NLC, in a communiqué following its National Executive Council meeting, announced the suspension of street actions for the second day, citing overwhelming success in meeting their protest objectives.
“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,” the communique reads in part.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, NLC leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protests were a response to widespread hunger and not merely a call for a minimum wage review.
Ajaero stated, “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?”
While the protests paralyzed economic activities across the nation, the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to pressuring the government for change.
Simultaneous press conferences are scheduled across all states, with an extended ultimatum expiring on March 13, 2024.
The communique further reads “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.”
