Nigeria’s labour unions – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions, started their protest on Wednesday in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country.
Protesters in Abuja on Wednesday who began their demonstration from the Unity Fountain broke down the first gate of the National Assembly complex and forced their way into the premises.
Reports said the protesters subsequently moved to the second gate of the Assembly Complex even as Senators immediately entered a closed-door session as Senate President Godswill Akpabio is expected to address the protesters.
Executives of Nigeria’s Organised Labour said the protest is against the alleged anti-people policies of President Bola Tinubu, especially the removal of petrol subsidy that has caused a spike in prices of food items and transportation.
NLC President Joe Ajaero last week demanded the immediate reversal of all “anti-poor policies” of the federal government including the recent hike in petrol price, public school fees, and other requests.
Government representatives led by Tinubu’s chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila have had meetings with labour unions but were unable to reach an agreement.
Amid pleas to reconsider the planned protest, Ajero said there was no going back until the government meets their demands.
“We are here for the protest and to make a statement that since we started negotiation, that there is nothing we have in our hands,” Ajero told Channels Television in Abuja.
The union leader also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000 to reflect on the rising cost of living.
Tinubu, who promised to announce a new minimum wage soon on Monday, said he is confident that the fuel subsidy removal are the right decisions for the country at the moment.
“Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work,” Tinubu said.
“Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that they will get out of this “turbulence” with the measures his government has taken, “Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.”
