The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has called on President Bola Tinubu to talk with leaders of groups planning protests against the country’s severe economic conditions.
Ajaero stressed that protesting is a right for all citizens, pointing out that millions of Nigerians are upset about the state of the economy.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ajaero underscored the gravity of the economic situation, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
He highlighted that many Nigerian families struggle to afford even one meal a day, and millions live below the extreme poverty line.
Ajaero expressed concern about the government’s response to the protests, criticizing the characterization of citizen grievances as “politically motivated dissent,” which he described as patronizing and dismissive.
He emphasized that citizens expect their government to listen to their concerns with empathy.
The NLC President emphasized that during these challenging times, Nigerians’ right to voice their complaints must be respected.
He highlighted protests organized by the labor movement against harsh economic policies, including increases in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and fees for public services.
In a cautionary message to the Federal Government, he stated that the Congress firmly believes that hostility towards protesters and other aggrieved Nigerians will not solve the issues faced by the populace.
Ajaero concluded with these words: “As the scheduled national protest approaches, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite protest leaders for discussions on their grievances. These are tough times. Nigerians are angry. What is needed now is dialogue, not confrontation. You can’t silence criticism and expect calm. It’s better to act promptly now than to regret later. Solidarity forever,” Ajaero said.
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