Protesters from various labor organizations, including the National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have launched a protest in Lagos, rallying against the challenging economic conditions. The demonstrators, brandishing placards, gathered at the Ikeja Underbridge as early as 6:30 a.m., urging the government to address issues like the rising fuel prices, Naira devaluation, and the state of local refineries.

Funmi Sessi, the NLC chairperson in Lagos, stated that the protesters intended to march from Ikeja Underbridge to the state House of Assembly in Alausa, submitting a letter outlining their grievances. The presence of police officers around 8 a.m. aimed to prevent any potential disturbances.

Following Bola Tinubu’s inauguration as Nigeria’s president, the fuel subsidy was eliminated, leading to a tripling of petrol prices nationwide and causing widespread financial hardship.

The labor groups are insisting on the prompt, genuine execution of the resolutions agreed upon jointly with the government. According to NLC national president Joe Ajaero’s statement, their demands encompass an immediate reversal of government policies that negatively impact the less privileged, including recent increases in petrol prices, school fees, and VAT.

They also emphasize the repair of local refineries in Port-Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, the release of eight months’ worth of withheld salaries for university lecturers and workers, and adequate recognition and support for the presidential steering committee and its subsidiary body to counteract unfavorable governmental actions and policies.

(Premium Times)