NLC suspends nationwide protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to halt its nationwide protest after the initial day of the scheduled two-day demonstration.

The NLC has also extended the deadline given to the federal government to fulfill the terms of their agreements until March 13, 2024.

According to the labor union, the primary objectives of the planned two-day protest were achieved on the first day. Despite suspending the strike, the NLC has announced that nationwide actions will persist the following day, featuring simultaneous press conferences in all states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress, along with the National Headquarters.

The NLC had initiated a two-day nationwide protest to address escalating prices and the general economic challenges in the country, alleging that the government failed to honor the agreements reached in October 2023.

However, following the first day of protests on February 27th, the NLC opted to suspend the protest. The decision to suspend the protest was communicated through a statement issued by President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Ismail Bello on Tuesday.

The statement reads: “The decision to suspend street action for the second day of the protest was made after achieving overwhelming success and attaining the key objectives of the two-day protest on the first day.

“Nevertheless, nationwide action will continue tomorrow with simultaneous press conferences across all states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress, including the National Headquarters.

“To reconfirm and extend the 7-day ultimatum by another 7 days, now set to expire on March 13, 2024, during which the Government is expected to implement all the agreements reached on October 2, 2023, and address other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.

“To convene and decide on further courses of action if, upon the expiration of the 14 days, the Government fails to comply with the demands outlined in the ultimatum.

“Once again, NEC reaffirms the NLC’s commitment to continue defending and promoting the interests and aspirations of Nigerian workers and the underprivileged masses.”