The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-led protests, against the hardship in the land, were held yesterday in state capitals across the country amid heavy security presence.
Last-minutes efforts by the federal government on Monday to prevent the protests had failed as the NLC had insisted on its two-day mass protests.
However, NLC President Joe Ajaero later last night directed the congress’ members to suspend today’s protest, saying that of yesterday was a great success.
Ajaero gave the directive after an emergency National Executive Council meeting of the NLC.
He said: “The NEC-in-session, therefore, reviewed the execution of the first day of the nationwide protest to assess its effectiveness and take decision on further necessary action to guide Congress in its effort at engaging government to protect the people and Nigerian workers from the increasing scourge of hardship.
“To this end, NEC commended Nigerians, all NLC affiliates, state councils, workers and civil society allies across the nation for trooping out in large numbers to peacefully demonstrate their outrage on the hardship imposed by the government and its twin altars – the IMF and the World Bank.
“NEC also deeply appreciates Nigerian workers and masses for sending a strong message to the powers that be on their united resolve to demand accountability from those who occupy positions of leadership in our nation. It believed that the message has strongly resonated.
“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.
NLC members protesting againsts cost of living crisis at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja yesterday
“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 14 days government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.”
Our correspondents, who monitored the protests across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory yesterday, reported that they were peaceful.
There were, however, low turnouts of protesters in Kano, Rivers, Ekiti and Plateau States as bakeries, schools and other public places opened for activities.
There was a counter-protest in Abuja, in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It was led by the Network of Civil Society For Economic Sustainability.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who led the labour protest in Abuja yesterday, said: “We are here for a rally so that Mr President will know how Nigerians feel and know where it is pinching us. The government said we should not rally.
They used peaceful means and threats but we are in God’s hands.”