Article: Nationwide NLC protests in Nigeria to demand implementation of fuel subsidy agreements
On February 16, 2024, the President of the NLC (Nigerian Trade Union Congress), Joe Ajaero, announced at a press conference that nationwide protests will be held to pressure the Federal Government to respect the agreements reached last October regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy. These protests will take place a week after the expiration of the 14-day deadline given by the NLC to the government.
The deadline ends on February 23, which means that the scheduled days for national protests are February 27 and 28.
Labor unions have issued a two-week ultimatum to urge the federal government to implement agreements reached to mitigate the effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy. These agreements include salary increases, an increase in the minimum wage, access to public services and the provision of natural gas buses for public transport.
However, labor unions criticize the federal government for not having respected these commitments aimed at mitigating the negative effects of the reforms.
Joe Ajaero warned the Federal Government not to ignore the 14-day deadline set by the ultimatum.
Labor unions have deplored the situation of millions of Nigerian workers facing the rising cost of food, the erosion of purchasing power and the worsening of insecurity, consequences of reforms which have led to an inflationary spiral .
The NLC’s planned protests aim to draw attention to these issues and demand that the federal government deliver on its commitments.
In conclusion, the planned nationwide protests by the NLC in Nigeria are a response to the growing concerns of labor unions over the implementation of the fuel subsidy agreements. These protests are a way for Nigerian workers to make their voices heard and demand concrete measures to mitigate the negative effects of ongoing reforms.