The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, formally presented a letter outlining their demands to the National Assembly. Among the highlighted requests are the comprehensive implementation of welfare provisions, the promotion of employment opportunities, immediate subsidies for farmers to enhance agricultural production, and the urgent rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries.
During the submission of the letter, which took place on Tuesday, Ajaero handed it over to Senator Diket Plang, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity. Ajaero, addressing the National Assembly, pointed out that the peaceful protests were initiated due to prevailing hunger in the country, expressing concerns that Nigeria was heading towards a situation akin to that of Zimbabwe.
Ajaero further informed that negotiations for a new minimum wage had commenced, although the specific amount had not been finalized. The NLC President emphasized that the protests were intended to serve as a wake-up call to the Federal Government, urging immediate action to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation.
In response, Senator Plang assured the protesters that the National Assembly would promptly review and discuss the NLC’s demands. The ongoing national planned protests, initiated by the NLC and allied unions such as 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, focus on issues like the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and general hardships in the country.
The protesters, armed with placards bearing messages such as #End Poverty and Hunger. Support Local Industries#; Fix Local Refineries End Subsidy#; #End Naira Devaluation; Tax the Rich Subsidise the poor#, are making their voices heard on the current economic challenges across the nation.
