The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its nationwide rallies, which began in different states throughout the country earlier on Tuesday.
In a communiqué issued following its National Executive Council meeting, Labour stated that the protest’s objectives were met on the first day of the rally.
In part, the communique states, “Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows: to suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.”
Recall that Nigeria has been struck by soaring inflation, food inflation, a forex crisis, economic hardship, and a high cost of living as a result of the elimination of petrol subsidies, which has sparked protests across the country.
The Presidency had engaged labour leaders in last-minute talks on Monday night, but the meeting ended in an impasse since the NLC insisted on holding the demonstration.
However, the NLC halted economic activity across the country on Tuesday, with labour head Joe Ajaero claiming that the demonstration was about hunger rather than a demand for a minimum wage increase.
Ajaero said, “You have to understand it. This demonstration is about hunger. What of those who are not working? When will the minimum wage be completed? When will it be implemented? What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?”
The communiqué further stated, “the highest organ of the NLC suspended street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.
“However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters.
“To reaffirm and extend the 7-days ultimatum by another 7 days which now expires on the 13th day of March, 2024 within which the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of the 2nd day of October, 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.
“To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.”