The police authorities have issued a stern warning against any form of violence during the upcoming two-day demonstration organized by labour unions to protest the hardships and soaring cost of living in Nigeria.
This caution was given on Sunday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) outlined fresh conditions ahead of the commencement of minimum wage negotiations scheduled to start on Monday.
The police’s warning comes amidst concerns raised by the African Development Bank about the potential for social unrest in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Kenya due to rising fuel and commodity prices.
The AfDB, in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024, projected a rebound in Africa’s economy, but cautioned that increases in fuel and commodity prices could trigger internal conflicts.
In the wake of this warning, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had earlier given a two-week ultimatum to the government to implement agreements on palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and other policies.
The unions had mobilized their members for nationwide protests slated for February 27 and 28, highlighting the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerian workers.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking during a briefing in Abuja, emphasized that the protests would proceed after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
Furthermore, the unions expressed the need for minimum wage negotiations to reflect current economic realities and address workers’ hardships.
In anticipation of the protests, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, engaged labour leaders in discussions to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Similar meetings were planned in other states to align strategies and prevent any disruption by miscreants.
Meanwhile, workers across several states have decried the economic challenges they face, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial palliatives from state governments to alleviate their plight.
While some states have implemented partial palliatives, such as salary increases and one-time allowances, others are yet to provide adequate relief to workers and pensioners.
As the protests loom, both the police and labour leaders are working to ensure a peaceful demonstration while urging the government to address the underlying economic issues affecting Nigerians.