Nigeria’s Labour Union starts two-day protest against hunger and insecurity nationwide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the trade union umbrella has initiated a two-day protest on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, targeting “hunger and insecurity” nationwide. 

Commencing in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, at 09:00 local time (08:00 GMT), the protest quickly spread to other regions. In a public statement preceding the protest, the NLC articulated its demand for an end to hunger and insecurity, advocating for the opening of food storage facilities and fair distribution across the nation.

Additionally, they urged the government to reject policies from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which they perceive as exacerbating Nigeria’s hardships.

Before the protest, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, conveyed to the BBC’s Newsday program that President Bola Tinubu is attentively addressing the needs of Nigerians. On Monday, the minister announced the reinstatement of direct cash transfers to assist over 12 million vulnerable households grappling with soaring living expenses.

Edun, in his interview with BBC Newsday, appealed to Nigerians for patience during the government’s implementation of economic reforms. He emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to steering the country towards economic recovery, assuring that efforts were underway to alleviate hardships and expedite relief measures.

Credit: BBC Africa