Amidst the mounting public discontent and economic hardship gripping Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to heed the voices of the aggrieved populace as a national protest approaches.
Citing widespread frustration over economic conditions, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero underscored the urgent need for dialogue between the government and protest organizers.
“Millions of Nigerians are suffering under the weight of economic policies that have exacerbated poverty and deprivation,” stated Ajaero.
Recent statistics paint a stark picture of the nation’s economic distress. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that approximately 133 million Nigerians live below the extreme poverty line, with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reporting acute hunger affecting 32 million people in 2024 alone. Unemployment and underemployment further compound these hardships, pushing countless families to the brink.
Contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday evening, Ajaero emphasised that the planned protest is not merely a political manoeuvre but a genuine expression of citizens’ anguish and demand for responsive governance. “Nigerians deserve to have their voices heard without being dismissed as mere political dissenters,” he asserted.
The NLC leader condemned any hostility towards protesters, highlighting that such responses fail to address the root causes of public dissatisfaction. “These are dire times that call for dialogue, not discord,” Ajaero remarked, urging compassion and understanding from the authorities.
Central to the NLC’s stance are grievances against recent government policies, including steep increases in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and user fees for essential services. These measures have significantly burdened ordinary Nigerians while seemingly benefiting a privileged few, intensifying public resentment.
Ajaero also stressed the importance of governmental empathy and proactive engagement with citizens’ concerns. “You cannot silence those suffering and expect peace,” he cautioned, urging a constructive approach to prevent further unrest.
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