The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to meet with the leaders of an upcoming nationwide protest, which has been organized in response to the increasing economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The NLC is urging the President to address the pressing issues affecting the citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for dialogue, stating, “As the date for the anticipated national protest approaches, the Nigeria Labour Congress calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the protest leaders to discuss their concerns.”
Ajaero highlighted the severe impact of inflation, which has surged to 34.19 percent, alongside rising food and electricity costs. He argued that these issues require urgent attention from the President.
“It is both condescending and dismissive to characterize the daily struggles of Nigerians as merely political dissent. Regardless of the political motivations, citizens have the right to protest. However, the current discontent does not need political provocation to ignite,” Ajaero said.
He noted that the primary expectation of the citizens is for the government to listen and show empathy. The protest organizers’ persistent notices on social media reflect their desire for such engagement.
The NLC criticized the government’s apparent hostility toward the planned protest, describing it as failing to provide any substantial solutions to the public’s suffering or the growing disparity between the wealthy elite and the struggling majority. “These are critical times, and Nigerians are understandably angry,” Ajaero remarked.
“The situation demands that the government engage in dialogue rather than conflict with its citizens. You cannot chastise a child and then expect them not to cry,” he added.