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Published on 2024-02-16 15:25:46
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that it would be embarking on a nationwide protest on February 27 and 28. Joe Ajaero, the president of the union, made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Friday. The development came days after the union and its counterpart, Trade Union Congress (TUC), issued a 14-day strike notice to the Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
The decision to embark on a two-day national mass protest was made with the goal of pressing home the demands of Nigerians over the current hardship being experienced in the country. The protests are expected to draw attention to the ongoing economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
The federal government had previously held a meeting with the leadership of the two unions, where they were urged to suspend the planned strike. The government’s team was led by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who promised that wages would be promptly paid. However, Ajaero and the vice president of the TUC, Tommy Okon, stood their ground and urged the government to fulfil its promise to the workers.
According to the NLC and TUC, their members would begin a nationwide strike in 14 days if the government did not address the ongoing hardship. This announcement came after the unions stated that their agreements with the federal government in October 2023 had not been implemented, particularly the increase in the minimum wage.
In response to the unions’ declaration, the governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the federal government of ruining the country’s economy. They compared the situation to that of Venezuela. In turn, the presidency accused the governors of failing as leaders over their inability to pay salaries and pensions despite the increase in their federal allocation.
The decision to embark on the nationwide protest has attracted significant attention from both the government and the public. The unions remain resolute in their demand for the government to fulfil its promises to workers, particularly regarding the increase in minimum wage and the timely payment of wages.
The protests are expected to draw attention to the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The NLC and TUC have vowed to proceed with their plans for a nationwide strike if the government does not address the current hardship in the country.
Overall, the NLC’s announcement of a nationwide protest on February 27 and 28 reflects the frustration of workers and Nigerians over the ongoing economic challenges. It remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to the demands of the unions and address the issues raised.
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