Unions Rally in Abuja, Express Grievances Over Cost of Living, Insecurity, and Economic Hardship
Amid growing concerns over the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and overall economic hardship in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and affiliated unions have initiated a protest in Abuja. The demonstration commenced at the Labour House Headquarters in Abuja at precisely 9:36 am, with various unions participating, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, FCT Council, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Union of Teachers, and Construction Workers’ Union, among others.
Prominent figures present at the national protest include former Nigeria Country Director of ActionAid, Ene Obi, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore. Participants were observed carrying placards with slogans such as “#End Poverty and Hunger. Support Local Industries#,” “Fix Local Refineries End Subsidy#,” and “#End Naira Devaluation; Tax the Rich Subsidise the poor#,” reflecting their concerns about the prevailing economic challenges.
Before the commencement of the protest, NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed journalists, stating, “The government said we should not do a rally. They used peaceful means and threats, but we are in God’s hands. We are here for a rally so that Mr. President will know how Nigerians feel and know where it is pinching us.”
The protest follows a series of demonstrations across the country highlighting the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government, citing the failure to implement agreements reached on October 2, particularly after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The federal government’s inability to fulfill promises within the stipulated 14-day ultimatum has led to a two-day nationwide protest. Organized labor began mobilizing its members last week for the protest scheduled for February 27 and 28. However, the Trade Union Congress clarified that it was not part of the planned protests declared by the NLC, emphasizing that the decision to protest on those dates was not collectively taken by both unions.
Despite a last-minute meeting called by the Federal Government on Monday night to avert the proposed nationwide protest, the deadlock in negotiations further fueled the determination of the NLC and affiliated unions to express their grievances through the planned demonstration.