The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has instructed its members and affiliated unions to commence preparations for a two-day national protest scheduled for February 27th and 28th if the federal government does not honor all agreements signed with it in October 2023. The national protest will occur after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum previously issued.

Following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, urged members to be ready for an indefinite strike, which would begin seven days after the nationwide protest if the government fails to meet its obligations.

Ajaero emphasized that Labour seeks concrete actions, not mere rhetoric, from the government, urging immediate implementation of agreements to restore faith in the democratic process, as Nigerians struggle to make ends meet.

On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address various demands, including wage increments and improved access to public utilities. They accused the government of reneging on promises to mitigate the impact of reforms. Ajaero stressed the importance of the government adhering to the 14-day ultimatum deadline.

Organised labour expressed concern that millions of Nigerian workers are grappling with hunger, diminished purchasing power, and insecurity due to reforms that have contributed to inflation.

These concerns stem from President Bola Tinubu’s decision to eliminate a popular but expensive fuel subsidy last May and his administration’s removal of restrictions on currency trading.