The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to suspend its nationwide protest after one day and has extended the ultimatum given to the Federal Government.
Following the conclusion of its National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday night, the NLC announced that the objectives of the protest were met on the first day.
In a statement released after the meeting, the NLC stated: “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.”
The protest, which addressed issues such as rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, and economic hardship, was triggered by the removal of petrol subsidy and attracted significant attention across the country.
Despite last-minute talks between labour leaders and the Presidency on Monday night, the protest proceeded as planned. Labour leader Joe Ajaero emphasized that the protest was primarily about hunger and the need for urgent action to address economic challenges.
While the street action for the second day has been suspended, the NLC announced that nationwide action would continue with simultaneous Press Conferences across all states. Additionally, the 7-day ultimatum issued earlier has been extended by another 7 days, now expiring on March 13, 2024.
The NLC reiterated its demands for the implementation of agreements reached on October 2, 2023, and other demands presented during the protest. If the government fails to comply within the specified timeframe, the NLC will convene to decide on further actions.