#SubsidyProtests: Unionists march towards Federal secretariat

Currently, officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) representatives from civil society groups, and concerned citizens are marching towards the Federal Secretariat and National Assembly to express their dissatisfaction with the increase in fuel prices and the Tinubu administration’s failure to reverse “unfriendly policies targeted against the poor.”

These unionists are carrying placards with various inscriptions such as #BringBackOurRefineries, #LetThePoorBreathe, and #ALUTACONTINUA. They have blocked roads leading to the Federal High Court, Transcorp Hotel, and Federal Secretariat Phase 1, among other locations.

The authorities, including the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police Force, have positioned themselves at strategic points to prevent any potential hijacking of the protest by non-state actors.

The labour center, comprising major unions in the country, has pledged to sustain its “peaceful protests” until the government addresses their concerns seriously.

The conflict between the government and organized labour arose following President Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023. In an attempt to initiate negotiations, the government established a committee to address the demands of the organized labour.

However, the labour leaders have expressed frustration, claiming that the committee has shown a lack of commitment in fulfilling its duties during the two eight-week periods given to develop a suitable plan for workers and the Nigerian populace.

Previously, the labour unions attempted to go on strike, but the government obtained a court order through the Ministry of Justice, preventing them from doing so. The labour unions have referred to this injunction as a “black market” injunction.