By Ken Afor
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the suspension of its second-day nationwide protest scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
The NLC made this known in a communique issued following the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
The NLC said the NEC decided to suspend the nationwide protest for the second day after recording massive success in the protest.
While its members would be off the streets, the labour union noted that press conferences would be held simultaneously in all the states of the federation.
It further noted that the initial seven-day ultimatum has been extended by another seven days, which would expire on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
The NLC, however, stated that after the expiration of the extended seven-day ultimatum, if the government fails to meet all the demands of the October 2, 2023, agreement, it shall continue to promote the interests of the Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses.
The NLC stated, “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.
“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.
“Once again, NEC recommits the NLC to continuing defending and promoting the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses.”
