GOVERNMENT AND LABOUR UNIONS CONVENE TO PREVENT COUNTRYWIDE DEMONSTRATIONS AMIDST CHALLENGING TIMES

The current emergency meeting between the Federal Government and organized labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), aims to prevent the scheduled two-day national protests in response to the widespread hardships faced by Nigerians.

The closed-door session, hosted by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), is a critical discussion on finding resolutions. Mr. Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information in OSGF, confirmed the ongoing meeting but refrained from providing further details.

Despite warnings from various quarters, including the Department of State Services and the Attorney-General of the Federation, urging negotiations rather than protests for national security and legal reasons, the NLC remains steadfast in its decision to proceed with the nationwide protests on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In response to the warnings, labor unions and civil society organizations reiterated their commitment to peaceful protests, dismissing government attempts at intimidation. In an interview with Daily Trust, Benson Upah, the Head of Information at NLC headquarters, affirmed ongoing mobilization efforts across states, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the planned protests.

The nationwide protest, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, is scheduled to occur simultaneously across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Abbas Jimoh; From the News Source: DailyTrust