The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) commenced a two-day nationwide protest on Tuesday over the dire economic conditions facing Nigerians.
Large crowds of union members mobilized for demonstrations across major cities. In Kano, protesters gathered at Race Course, while in Lagos workers assembled to hear remarks from state NLC chairman Funmi Sessi before marching to the state assembly.
Heavy security deployments were seen in Lagos and other locations. Police, civil defense, and traffic authorities were on standby as the Lagos rally kicked off.
In Port Harcourt, NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed workers at the Labour House, stating the protests aimed to convey people’s grievances to the government.
A major march was also planned in Abuja, terminating at the National Assembly complex.
Drivers of Economic Hardship
The protests respond to skyrocketing inflation now at 28.92%, with IMF projections of 44% this year.
A confluence of factors is behind the economic turmoil, including:
- Worsening insecurity limiting farming and food supply
- Removal of fuel subsidies increasing transport costs
- Naira devaluation from the scrapping of exchange rate cap, sparking imported goods price hikes
This ‘triple threat’ has led to doubling or tripling of costs for everyday supplies within months.
With many already pushed into poverty, pockets of unrest have erupted nationwide. The NLC called the two-day strike to underscore nationwide frustration over the economic crisis.
