In response to the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State has commenced a two-day protest as mandated by the national body of workers.
Triggered by economic hardships stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies and the continuous depreciation of the naira against the dollar, the NLC aims to draw attention to the plight of Nigerians.
Prior to the nationwide protest announcement, residents from various states, including Kano, Niger, Oyo, Edo, Lagos, Sokoto, Borno, and Osun, had already taken to the streets to voice their concerns about the economic difficulties.
The two-day rally, initiated by the NLC leadership, seeks to compel both federal and state governments to address issues such as insecurity, hunger, and the escalating poverty rates.
During the protest in Abeokuta, the Chairman of Ogun State NLC, Comrade Hammed Ademola-Benco, emphasized that the objective is to secure favorable outcomes for the citizens.
Ademola-Benco stated, “This protest is about getting good deals for the people of the country. Many Nigerians are hungry, and the price of food has reached the rooftop. The government must attend to our demands to make lives more rewarding and enjoyable for the people.”
Describing the protest as highly successful, Ademola-Benco highlighted the active participation of leaders from the 40 affiliates of the union in Ogun State.
National Vice President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, expressed regret that the government, which promised renewed hope, has fallen short of expectations.
Folarin added, “Insecurity is one of the contributing factors to the scarcity of food and exorbitant prices. This government has not demonstrated enough commitment to serve Nigerians. Things must change because Nigerians did not vote for hardship last year February.”
To maintain law and order, security agencies such as the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are present at the protest grounds.
