In a decisive move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a directive on Friday instructing its members and affiliate unions to initiate mobilization efforts for a two-day national protest, slated for February 27 and 28. This call to action comes in response to the federal government’s failure to implement agreements inked in October 2023.
The two-day national protest is scheduled to occur at the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum earlier issued by the NLC. Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, addressed the media at the conclusion of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. Ajaero urged members to stand by for an indefinite strike, set to commence seven days after the nationwide protest if the government does not meet the stipulated demands.
Expressing dissatisfaction with what he referred to as empty talks from the government, Ajaero emphasized the urgent need for concrete actions. He urged the government to promptly implement the agreements to instill confidence in the democratic process, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges.
This announcement underscores the NLC’s firm stance on advocating for the rights and welfare of workers, signaling their readiness to escalate their actions if the government does not address the grievances within the stipulated timeframe. The NLC’s call for a national protest and the possibility of an indefinite strike reflects the growing frustration among the Nigerian workforce with the perceived lack of government responsiveness to their concerns.