In a recent statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that the nationwide mass protest, scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, 2023, will proceed as planned. This comes after a meeting with the federal government where the NLC sought to address the demands of the Nigerian workers and people.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, reaffirmed that the outcome of the meeting with the government had not altered the course set by the NLC as the custodians of the interests and desires of the Nigerian workers and people.
Ajaero urged all Nigerians to disregard any efforts by “fifth columnists” who are working against the wishes of the people. Instead, he called on everyone to gather in their respective states and locations across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.
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The demands of the NLC, as stated in the release, include the immediate implementation in good faith of the resolutions jointly signed with the government and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The NLC is also demanding the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the government, including recent hikes in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), school fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
Furthermore, the NLC is calling for the rehabilitation of local refineries in Portharcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, and the release of eight months’ withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers.
Other demands include according appropriate recognition to the presidential steering committee and its sub-committees and putting a stop to what they perceive as inhuman actions and policies of the government.
The NLC provided the convergence points for the protest in major cities:
- Rivers Convergence Point: NLC State Secretariat, No 12 Igbokwe Street D, Line Porthacourt
- Lagos Convergence Point: Under the Bridge, Awolowo Way, Ipodo Market Kodesho Street Ikeja, close to Computer village
- Abuja Convergence Point: Unity Fountain, close to Transcorp Hilton
The NLC encourages Nigerians to come together in solidarity to express their grievances and demands for a better and fairer Nigeria.
As the NLC organized protest is set to commence, the nation awaits the government’s response and the potential impact of this massive mobilization on the country’s governance and policies.