The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called upon President Bola Tinubu to engage with the leaders of an upcoming protest to discuss their concerns, citing widespread discontent among Nigerians due to economic hardships.
In a statement titled “Mr President should listen to the cry of the people,” signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labor union expressed grave concern over the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
The statement highlighted that many Nigerian families are struggling to afford even one meal a day, reflecting the dire state of affairs.
The NLC referenced recent assessments by the National Bureau of Statistics and the International Rescue Committee, which indicated that a significant portion of the population lives below the extreme poverty line and faces acute hunger.
The statement noted the plight of millions who have either lost their jobs or remain underemployed amid economic downturns, stressing the urgent need for governmental intervention.
Addressing criticisms that the protests might be politically motivated, the NLC defended the rights of citizens to peacefully demonstrate, asserting that the grievances stem from genuine hardships rather than political agendas.
The union underscored the importance of governmental empathy and responsiveness to alleviate the suffering experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
The NLC therefore urged a dialogue-based approach, urging against hostility towards protesters and advocating for a compassionate response from authorities.
The statement added that the current circumstances demand mutual understanding and cooperation between the government and its citizens to navigate these challenging times effectively.
