The planned nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress leaders has begun in various states across the country.
The strike and planned protest by organized labor was scheduled for Wednesday (today) over the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government may shut down the country and paralyze the economy.
Recall that Oil workers had earlier on Tuesday staged a protest and shut down the commission’s office in Lagos, while also vowing to shut down the agency’s offices nationwide.
NLC President Joe Ajaero who spoke on Tuesday said the organized labour had no reason to suspend the planned national protests and strike.
Ajaero spoke a few hours after another round of meetings of the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, deadlocked.
“We have no reason to call off the planned protests. If we suspend or call it off, you will know. I can tell you that the mobilization is very high,” Ajaero said in response to questions from journalists.
The Federal Government had in a last-ditch effort to avert the strike met with the NLC and TUC leaders on Monday but the parley also failed to reach any resolution.
The Punch reports that the Federal Government and organized labor have been at loggerheads following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
Videos and images from the protest in Lagos have since emerged on social media.
The made a mistake in their strategy by putting us at the third place, so that we won't be able to have a re-run or win.
— Nigeria Spartan (Nightmare Ndí PDAPC) (@multimeverse) August 2, 2023
But they did not know we are a force! We won & we will win again.
_#protest NLC president lagos state chimamanda pic.twitter.com/3RK4Dl3qhE
In an effort to foster negotiations, the government set up a committee to look into the demands of the labour unions for a 300 per cent wage increase to enable workers to cope with the challenges imposed by the deteriorating economic situation that came with the removal of the controversial fuel subsidy, among other things.
NLC Nationwide Protest Update: Location Ikeja Lagos State, Date August 2, 2023 [Video]
— Regency Reporters (@Regency_NG) August 2, 2023
Follow @Regency_NG For LIVE Situation Report#Protest APC NLC President/Fashola/Congratulations Peter/PEPT/Charles Anazodo/Olosho/May August/ECOMOG/Helicopter pic.twitter.com/R2at4lN7rZ
Massive procession towards Allen avenue, ikeja. NLC #Protest against fuel subsidy, custom duty increase, electricity tariff and tuition hike pic.twitter.com/p8koZGttFo
— Lagos Watch (@LagosWatchNG) August 2, 2023
#Protest
— Nigeria is a Jungle (@DamilojuJLT) August 2, 2023
I heard Peter Obi is joining Abuja since Omoyele Sowore is in Lagos.
Well done Mr Peter.
NLC candidate wen no dey join NLC protest,se that one na candidate.
NLC may you never miss fire again, when opportunity comes to liberate this country, do better. pic.twitter.com/73IiIXmXSh
Lagos is on the move. The momentum is gathering. People are suffering. Nigerians are organizing.
— JuwonSanyaolu (@AyowoleSanyaolu) August 2, 2023
If you are not at the NLC #Protest this morning, you are wrong! #LetThePoorBreathe #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/sPDPybMMPy
Well it’s about time. ????????????
— Esther Nyame (@esthelnyame) August 2, 2023
Because we can’t continue living like this. #Protest pic.twitter.com/cMYfRJKb1N
