Mass protest will start tomorrow, says NLC

August 1, 2023 8:57 pm

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) says it will hold its nationwide mass protest tomorrow as planned.

The protest would serve as a prelude to NLC’s planned industrial action scheduled for August 2.

Earlier today, the presidential steering committee on palliatives, comprising the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and government representatives, met concerning the palliatives for workers to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy.

However, after the rescheduled meeting, Festus Osifo, TUC president, said President Bola Tinubu’s palliative measures were welcomed but not comprehensive enough.

Osifo also said the labour unions would consult with its members to reach a consensus on the next course of action before the day ends.

In a statement signed by Joe Ajaero, NLC president on Tuesday evening, the labour union said after its meeting with the federal government earlier today, there was no resolution to its concerns raised.

“We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the federal government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“The outcome of this meeting earlier today has, however, not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.

“Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people.

“We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.

“Once again, the nationwide mass protest will start tomorrow.”

The intended protest by the labour body has raised several concerns in the past few days.

Editor’s note: The original story suggested that the union, at some point, suspended its industrial action. What NLC said after its last meeting with the government was that it would consult with its members to reach a consensus on the next course of action.