Following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to halt its nationwide protests.
The demonstrations occurred in various states of the country earlier today.
The NLC stated in a communique that the protest’s objectives were met on the initial day of the protest.
The communique mentioned, “As a result, the NEC has made the following decisions: to pause street activities for the second day of the protest, having accomplished significant success and met the primary goals of the 2-day protest on day one.”
Nigeria has been grappling with increasing inflation, food price hikes, foreign exchange challenges, economic difficulties, and a high cost of living due to the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to protests in various regions.
Despite last-minute discussions between the Presidency and labour leaders on Monday night, the meeting ended inconclusively as the NLC insisted on proceeding with the protest.
The protest disrupted economic operations nationwide on Tuesday, with labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasizing that the protest was driven by hunger and not solely a call for a minimum wage review.
Ajaero remarked, “This protest is primarily about addressing hunger. What about those who are unemployed? When will the minimum wage issue be resolved? When will it be put into effect? What level of minimum wage will alleviate hunger?”
The communique reiterated, “The NLC’s highest authority has suspended street activities for the protest’s second day after achieving significant success on day one, meeting the primary objectives of the 2-day protest.”
“However, nationwide actions will continue tomorrow through simultaneous Press Conferences in all states and at the National Headquarters led by state NLC Councils.
“To reconfirm and extend the 7-day deadline by an additional 7 days, expiring on March 13, 2024, during which the Government is expected to fulfill all agreements from October 2, 2023, and other demands outlined in today’s nationwide protest letter.
“To convene for further deliberations regarding the next course of action should the Government fail to comply with the ultimatum’s demands upon its expiration.”