*Makes 17-Point Demand
*Gives FG March 13 Ultimatum
*National Assembly To Intervene
*Protest Needless, Says Presidency
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the end of its protest across the country against hardship and hunger in the land on Tuesday, February 27, suspended the action billed to continue on Wednesday, February 28, saying the action achieved overwhelming success.
In a communiqué at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja late on Tuesday, February 27, NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, and acting General Secretary, Mr. Ismail Bello, said: “The NEC-in-session, therefore, reviewed the execution of the first day of the nationwide protest to assess its effectiveness and take decision on further necessary action to guide congress in its effort at engaging government to protect the people and Nigerian workers from the increasing scourge of hardship.”
NLC also made a 17-point demand to President Bola Tinubu to assuage the poverty, hunger and mass suffering occasioned by his government’s policies.
In his reaction to the protest, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described it as needless, saying the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ameliorate hardship in the land.
He said: “Any labour union that is speaking to the concerns of Nigerian families, the pains that are being felt by our people, is absolutely free to do so. It is right that Nigerians speak up in difficult situations.
“The government has been doing everything possible to alleviate those concerns. But we also want to separate the legitimate concerns being expressed by some of the labour unions from people trying to leverage some of the situations in the country to achieve a political agenda.
“We have seen the Trade Union Congress (TUC) pull out of the purported nationwide protest. We have seen the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, pull out of the protest. There is no unanimity behind what NLC is trying to do.
“I believe all legitimate concerns being raised by the unions are being tackled by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
During the protest, NLC, in a letter to Tinubu, titled, ‘Tackling the crisis of survival and mounting destitution in the land – what must be done now,’ Ajaero, said: “Sequel to the recent nationwide protests called by the NEC of the NLC, it is our considered opinion that we write to you at this time of great national distress that has left a huge majority of the citizenry and workers massively impoverished and hungry.
“We believe that together, we can co-create programmes and policies that will not only help reduce suffering on the people but also create a functional path out of this morass which the crushing weight of unmitigated inflation and hardship has imposed on us.
“First, Your Excellency may recall that two policies of your government are responsible for the unprecedented economic downturn facing millions of Nigerians. The first is your inauguration declaration that ‘fuel subsidy gone’.
“The impact of that policy is unbridled hike in the price of refined petroleum products, especially petrol.
“The second is the foreign currency exchange rate flotation policy, which translates to massive depreciation of the naira.
“We understand that these policies were at the instance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Your Excellency may recall the principled opposition of the NLC against hike in the pump price of refined petroleum products over the years.
“We recall the role Your Excellency played in the early days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to mediate in the industrial action by the NLC against increase in the price of refined petroleum products, especially PMS.
“We recall your promise then that the APC government would fix the ills and rot in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sub-sector. Unfortunately, nine years after, the story has deteriorated.
“The major cause of dislocation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sub-sector is failure of the state to efficiently manage our four national oil refineries and products distribution arteries, resulting in mass importation of refined petroleum products, expensive road haulage, incessant hikes in the pump price of petrol and transfer of high energy costs onto prices of other essential goods and services.”
He added: “However, your Excellency, NLC believes that the following demands as proposed below, if immediately implemented will assist our nation overcome the present crisis of survival in the short-run.
“They are adoption of measures to mitigate the increasing hardship in the country via mechanisms that will allow for immediate food availability locally.
”We suggest a reopening of land borders to allow food, cement and other essentials to come in. Emergency measures to ensure food security around the country, including ensuring that farmlands are secured, so that farmers can return to the land.
“We propose an immediate removal of the collection of levies, fees, dues and tolls from petty traders across the nation by local and state governments.
“Immediate implementation of the October 2, 2023, agreement reached with your government. ”An immediate purchase and deployment of CNG/ electric buses across all states of the federation to be managed by stakeholders.
“An immediate deployment of large numbers of CNG conversion kits to all states of the federation to grant the citizenry easier access to conversion of their vehicles from PMS to CNG.
“Composition of a team of relevant stakeholders to monitor and supervise all Federal Government’s intervention funds in the interest of Nigerian people. The same arrangement is advocated at all levels to ensure that government interventions reach the poor and the vulnerable.
“Reversal and suspension of further increases in school fees across the nation.
“A drastic reduction and removal of import duties paid on essential drugs and medical consumables to relieve the current hardship being witnessed by the sick.
“Direct all state governments to immediately pay all owed wages, wage awards, allowances, gratuities and pensions.
“Cash Transfers to the vulnerable with verifiable and inclusive social register to begin immediately.
”An immediate tax holiday to all workers earning from N100,000 per month and below including a reduction in PAYE for all workers earning below N500,000/Month.
“A removal of VAT on basic consumer items.
”Direct the purchase and use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services to stimulate local production and save jobs.
“Immediate reduction in the cost of governance in Nigeria at all levels to reflect the nation’s tight fiscal position.
“Halt immediately the implementation of all IMF and World Bank policies in Nigeria. They have not only worked anywhere, but have also brought extreme hardship which imperils our nation’s security and undermines our sovereignty.
”Speedy conclusion of the National Minimum Wage negotiation, ensuring that it approximates a living wage.
“Some of the foregoing proposals and recommendations are actually part of previously agreed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) between organised labour and government at various times.
“We believe that diligent implementation of these proposals, in consultation with social partners via the various processes of social dialogue will go a long way in recovering our economy from the precipice and repositioning Nigeria as a productive economy with capabilities for decent job creation, inclusive growth and the rule of law.
“Mr. President, the current economic hardship facing our nation requires bold and decisive action. As the leader of our great country, we urge you to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering.
“The resilience and ingenuity of our workforce are invaluable assets that, if harnessed effectively, can propel Nigeria towards a future of prosperity and progress.
“While we look forward to your consideration of our proposals, please accept the renewed assurances of our highest esteem.”
In Abuja, the protesters, including workers and members of some civil society organisations, took off from the NLC national secretariat in Central Business District to the National Assembly, with some of the affiliate unions actively participating, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Construction Workers’ Union.
Bearing placards with different inscriptions indicating their frustration, such as ‘#End Poverty and Hunger,’ ‘Support Local Industries#,’ ‘Tax the rich, subsidise the poor’ and ‘#End Naira Devaluation,’ they called for urgent solutions to the country’s economic plight.
Led by Ajaero and accompanied by security operatives to ensure law and order were maintained, the protesters arrived at the gate of the National Assembly in the Three Arms Zone, where they were met by Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Diket Plang, who said the lawmakers were with Nigerians in these hard times and very sensitive to the situation.
“We are supposed to stand in for Nigerians where it pinches them. I want to assure you that the National Assembly is very sensitive to what is happening, very sensitive,” he said.
Plang told the crowd that the National Assembly and its leadership were already discussing how to bring solutions to the situation, even as he added: “We are at a very critical period that Nigeria is taking a decision that would be of economic advantage to all of us.
“My plea and our plea is for the union to reason with us, understand with us. There is no way we will allow this thing to continue, but steps must be taken.
“Already the 15th agenda of the Memorandum of Understanding given between government and Labour are being tackled. The last issue that is in place is the issue of minimum wage and negotiations are going on. There is no way that we will not end up with a resolution and a decision that will benefit Nigerians
“I assure you that all of us, the press, general public, everybody is feeling it, but Nigeria will succeed. The President will succeed; we will succeed. We are very sensitive to it.
“May God help us to maximise our potentials, maximise our natural resources, may we intervene in such a way that all Nigerians will be able to exploit the God-given wealth that we have. We are all on the same page.”
His counterpart in the House of Representatives, Adeboyega Adefarati, added: “We will take your letter to the leadership of the Nation Assembly. Very soon, you will hear from us. We are facing the same challenges; the economic challenges and hardship faced by Nigeria is borne by everybody.
“I want to assure you that the leadership of the National Assembly will look into your request and demands and take swift and bold action. I can assure you Nigeria will breathe again.”
In Lagos, state Chairman of NLC, Funmi Sessi, said the protest was against the economic hardship faced by workers and Nigerians at large.
“The price of foodstuff has gone beyond the reach of Nigerians; the price of rice has gone up and beans as well.
“The monthly salary of workers no longer takes them home, not to talk about taking care of their families.
“We are marching to the State House of Assembly to present a letter; this protest is purely organised by the NLC, with support of some affiliate bodies,” she re-echoed.
Rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), decried attempts by government officials to obstruct the protest, stressed the constitutional right to peaceful protest and calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to be ready to engage with the demonstrators.
“Nigerians must continue to protect their right. Nigerians have the right to complain and assemble peacefully and demonstrate in line with the provisions of the constitution.
“I’m so delighted to see Nigerians and civil society organisations make the point that we are a free people,” he enthused.
Falana insisted that provision of palliatives was not enough to address economic challenges facing Nigerians, urging government to instead address youth unemployment and put in place a law on social security.
He noted: “We want a Bill for social security in the state, and if Lagos can start, other states will be compelled to follow suit.
“It is no longer enough to give palliatives; it must be on a permanent basis, and that is why a social security Bill must be passed by the House in the interest of our people.”
On IMF and World Bank’s recommendations to the Federal Government, Falana stated: “We can’t continue to implement neo-liberal policies that will further impoverish our people.
“We are agitating that the destructive policies of IMF and World Bank be dropped. The Federal Government should dialogue with labour unions and other stakeholders to tie the fate of our country.”
Some officers and policemen, led by the Commissioner of Police, were on hand to provide security and forestall the hijack of the peaceful protest by miscreants to cause mayhem.
During the rally in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Seyi Makinde, joined the crowd, saying the hardship and poverty has reached alarming levels, with many unable to feed themselves or find work.
“The solution lies in our collective efforts to tackle these issues. My message to the protesters and people of Oyo State is to simply let them know that this is a trying period for our country. It is not the time for divisive activities; we have to pull together and confront the challenges we are faced with.
“Usually, when you are going through a period where you are trying to reform a system, there will be challenges. We have seen it in 1989 during the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). We had a riot but at the end of the day, we still all came together to solve our problem.”
NLC State Chairman, Mr. Kayode Martins, and other union leaders, urged the federal government to find lasting solution to economic hardship facing the country.
In Asaba, the Delta State capital, state Vice-Chairman of NLC, Mr. Ziko Okwudi, who led the protest to the entrance of Government House, where he lamented: “Market women, building materials sellers, transporters have increased their prices, but salaries of Nigerian workers cannot be increased.
“If the mechanism of checkmating what is happening in Nigeria is being put in place, l do not think we would have been where we are.”
The protest, which also held in other states, witnessed large turnout of Nigerians, who are groaning under the harsh economic situation, despite efforts by government, its cronies and individuals with vested interests to dissuade them from coming out in support of the action.
