A late-night meeting between the Federal Government and Organised Labour on Monday at the State House in Abuja concluded without resolution. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), affirmed that the planned rally would proceed, emphasizing the constitutional duty to ensure peaceful protests.
Hosted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the closed-door meeting was not accessible to the media. Attendees included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, along with ministers and the Head of Service of the Federation. Both labour centers were represented, with Joe Ajaero leading the NLC delegation and Festus Osifo representing the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Despite appeals from the Federal Government to postpone the nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, 2024, the NLC insisted on proceeding. The government, as stated by Minister of Information Muhammad Idris, claimed to have addressed most of the union’s demands.
However, the NLC stressed the need for the government to fulfill its agreements with Organised Labour and address Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges. These challenges include rising inflation, food prices, foreign exchange shortages, economic hardships, and the removal of petrol subsidies, leading to protests in various parts of the country.
Despite government pressure to avert the planned strike, the NLC affirmed its members’ determination to proceed with the proposed nationwide protest.