The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to invite the leadership of the organizers of the impending national protest for discussions.
In a statement titled “Mr President should listen to the cry of the people,” signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC highlighted the widespread discontent among Nigerians due to economic hardship.
The statement emphasized that many Nigerian families are struggling to afford basic necessities, with many unable to secure even one meal a day. The NLC noted that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have reported alarming levels of poverty and hunger, with 133 million Nigerians living below the poverty line and 32 million exposed to acute hunger in 2024 alone.
Ajaero stressed that dismissing the protest as politically motivated undermines the legitimate grievances of the people. He pointed out that the severe economic conditions do not require political motivation to spark protests, as the daily struggles are evident.
He also expressed concern over the government’s harsh economic policies, including the hike in fuel prices, increased electricity costs, and additional charges for public utilities. Ajaero argued that hostility towards protesters will not alleviate the suffering of the populace.
The NLC’s statement called for the government to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation. It emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of Nigerians to voice their frustrations and the need for empathetic leadership to address the current crisis.
