by The police authorities have emphasized that they will not tolerate any form of violence during the planned two-day demonstration organized by Labour to protest the hardships and high cost of living in the country.
The police issued this warning on Sunday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) outlined fresh conditions ahead of the minimum wage negotiation starting today (Monday).
The police’s stance comes amidst concerns raised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) about the potential for social unrest in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Kenya due to rising fuel and commodity prices.
On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress gave a two-week ultimatum to the government to implement agreements on palliatives for workers affected by policies such as the fuel subsidy removal. The unions have mobilized their members for nationwide protests slated for February 27 and 28.
The organized labour expressed concerns that millions of Nigerian workers were facing hunger, erosion of purchasing power, and insecurity due to reforms that have led to increased inflation.
The NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, stated that the protest would begin a week after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which will expire on February 23.
Despite workers’ hardships, the NLC emphasized the need for a minimum wage that reflects economic realities and addresses workers’ difficulties. The NLC is using factors such as the cost of living, consumer price index, and real wages to determine a fair minimum wage.
Ahead of the protests, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, held a meeting with labour leaders to ensure that the protest would be carried out within the ambit of the law. Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, announced plans to meet with labour leaders in the state on Monday.
