President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has submitted a letter of demands to the National Assembly, outlining critical issues affecting Nigerians and calling for urgent government action. Among the demands presented were the full implementation of welfare provisions, employment generation initiatives, immediate subsidies to farmers to enhance agricultural production, and the rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries, among other concerns.
Ajaero delivered the letter to Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, during a visit to the National Assembly on Tuesday. Addressing lawmakers, Ajaero highlighted the dire economic situation facing Nigerians, likening it to the challenges experienced in Zimbabwe.
Expressing discontent over ongoing minimum wage negotiations, Ajaero emphasized the urgency for the federal government to address the pressing issues confronting the nation. He underscored the peaceful protests as a clarion call for immediate government intervention to alleviate the suffering of citizens.
In response, Senator Plang assured the protesters that their demands would be promptly reviewed and discussed by relevant stakeholders. The engagement between the NLC and the National Assembly underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing socio-economic concerns and fostering collaboration between labor unions and government representatives.
The nationwide protests, organized by the NLC and other allied unions, aim to draw attention to the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and general hardship prevailing in the country. Participating unions, including 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, among others, echoed the call for urgent government action to alleviate economic hardship.
Carrying placards with slogans such as #End Poverty and Hunger, Support Local Industries, Fix Local Refineries, End Subsidy, End Naira Devaluation, and Tax the Rich, Subsidize the Poor, protesters voiced their grievances and demanded concrete measures to address the current economic challenges facing the nation. Further details on the outcome of discussions between the NLC and the National Assembly are expected to be provided in due course.