Economic hardship: NLC storms the streets as TUC calls for food importation

By Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja, Samuel Luka

Barring any last minute change in plans, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will today storm the streets nationwide in protest against the biting economic hardship and rising cost of living in the country.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero on Sunday reaffirmed the decision to go ahead with the protest, threatening total shut down of the economic activities nationwide should agents of the federal government harass or intimidate protesters.

On the other hand, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is maintaining its position not to join the protest.

Meanwhile, human rights groups, including the Joint Action Front (JAF) and the Coalition for Revolution (CA) took to the streets of Lagos on Monday to voice their discontent over the escalating cost of living and soaring food prices.

The demonstration, staged despite warnings from Lagos State Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, aimed to highlight the economic struggles faced by Nigerians.

Fayoade assured residents of safety measures while emphasising the authorities’ commitment to maintaining public order and facilitating lawful activities.

Carrying placards adorned with various messages, the protesters gathered beneath the Ojuelegba bridge, calling for an end to oppressive policies exacerbating economic hardship nationwide.

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, a coalition participant, underscored the people’s resolve against oppressive measures, expressing determination to continue advocating for change despite police attempts to deter them.

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“The protest will persist, and we will unite with the NLC in their nationwide action to alleviate the hardship inflicted by government policies,” Sanyaolu affirmed.

Demanding immediate policy reversals, Sanyaolu called on the government to rescind decisions such as fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation, imposed in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) directives.

Throughout the demonstration, police officers and members of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps monitored the protesters, reflecting the authorities’ vigilance amid the peaceful expression of dissent.

But the TUC, at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday by its President, Festus Osifo, announced affirmed the union’s decision to distance itself from the planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28.

Osifo said the decision of the NLC to stage the protest was not part of the initial agreement reached with the federal government in October 2023.

Despite its decision not to participate in the protest, the TUC proffered what it described as immediate solutions to help cushion the effect of hardship in the country.

The union urged President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, order importation of food items within two weeks from any part of the world and flood the country with same to enable the citizens access them at reduced costs.

He also warned the federal government against following the dictates of the IMF and the World Bank in its attempt to address economic concerns in the country.

This is as he accused the two international institutions of being behind the high cost of living in Nigeria through their advice for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and electricity tariffs.

Some of the recommendations/solutions proffered by the TUC to the federal government include: “Determination of real value of Naira, new minimum wage, Custom exchange rate for goods used in manufacturing, allegation that sub nationals throw billions of dollars monthly into the parallel market, dollarisation of political party primaries and electioneering, clamp down on speculative trading in the foreign exchange market.

Others are, patronising made in Nigeria goods, strengthening the economic management team, time to stop following the dictate of IMF and World Bank, effectively supervising the activities of banks, curbing crude oil theft and increasing investment in enhancing oil and gas production, curbing insecurity for farmers to return to farm, temporary importation of food from abroad, local refining of crude oil.”

Osifo further said, “Some of these solutions are for immediate implementation. Some are for medium term implementation, while others are for long term. That means some of them may not be implemented in one year.

“But we believe that those ones that can be implemented immediately, should be done. I will believe that if government goes ahead to do those things, most of the problems that we are facing today, will be eased off.

“Look at what we wrote there as number one. We are not proffering solutions that are not practicable. It is a solution that is feasible, a solution that is possible. If the number one alone is implemented, I can tell you that the high cost of living we are facing today will reduce.”

TUC gave the federal government up to March end to start refining crude oil at the Port Harcourt refinery.

Osifo reiterated the importance of joint agreement and review processes in addressing issues between labour unions and the government, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue and action.

Meanwhile, police authorities have beefed up security in some states ahead of the protest.

On Monday, the Bauchi State Police Command announced heightened security measures in preparation for the protest.

A press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, quoted the Police Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed as stating that adequate personnel will be deployed for patrol across key areas in the state.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s dedication to ensuring the safety of citizens during the planned protests, emphasising the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in the constitution.

While affirming the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, the press statement warned protesters to conduct themselves within legal boundaries to prevent infringement on the rights of others.

The police boss further emphasised the readiness of law enforcement agencies to quell any attempts to disrupt public peace or safety during the protest.

Citizens were urged to carry on with their lawful activities without fear, with a call for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.

In a plea to parents and guardians, the Commissioner of Police urged caution to prevent the exploitation of young individuals in activities that could endanger the prevailing peace in the state.