#EndBadGovernance: NLC speaks on protest, demands policy reversal
The NLC said it remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population.
By Mary IzuakaandAyodeji
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the reversal of what it called “ill-conceived” policies that plunged the country into an economic crisis, sparking nationwide protests.
According to a communique jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union disclosed this at its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday.
On Thursday, 1 August, Nigerians took to the streets in a protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, in response to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
The demonstrators also voiced their frustration about the insensitivity of public officials and the overall lack of effective governance in the country.
Since he took power in 2023, the Tinubu administration has removed subsidy on petrol and electricity tariff, amid devaluation of the Nigerian currency. Although the government said the policy reforms are necessary to rejig the Nigerian economy, many Nigerians have been heavily affected by the ripple effects of the policies
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Tinubu addressed Nigerians about the protest last Sunday but did not make any concessions.
The protests turned violent in some states, mainly in northern Nigeria, leading state governments to declare curfews. In other states like Abuja, where it was peaceful, the police attacked protesters with tear gas and other ammunition, injuring many.
Amnesty International reported that at least 22 people have been killed since the protests started, most by police officers, although the police dispute the claim.
On Wednesday, the NLC noted that the government cannot hope to stop a democratic protest by threatening the people who are already losing their lives to the “unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters” by the police but by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue.
The labour union said it condemns the continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by the government operatives, noting that the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, and its suppression through “violence is unacceptable.”
“The attempt to criminalise protest is completely deplorable especially in a democracy. The hiring and use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda in an effort to scuttle the protests is most unfortunate.
“The NEC in session also frowns strongly at the unwarranted use of subterfuge on the congress by the government through the Federal Ministry of Labour as it concerns our rights to political participation. It noted the unprofessional and unethical conduct of the minister of labour through the registrar of trade unions in wilfully misdirecting a politically motivated letter to NLC. It is tendentious, mischievous and provocative,” the communique reads.
Audience Survey
In light of the concerns raised, the labour body called for the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies that have led to the current economic crisis.”
According to the union, the government must implement policies that prioritise the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.
It said NEC in session mandated the national leadership to decide on the day NLC will set aside as a national day of mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.
The communique said NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families.
Premium Times Nigeria
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the reversal of what it called “ill-conceived” policies that plunged the country into an economic crisis, sparking nationwide protests.
According to a communique jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union disclosed this at its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday.
On Thursday, 1 August, Nigerians took to the streets in a protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, in response to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
The demonstrators also voiced their frustration about the insensitivity of public officials and the overall lack of effective governance in the country.
Since he took power in 2023, the Tinubu administration has removed subsidy on petrol and electricity tariff, amid devaluation of the Nigerian currency. Although the government said the policy reforms are necessary to rejig the Nigerian economy, many Nigerians have been heavily affected by the ripple effects of the policies
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Tinubu addressed Nigerians about the protest last Sunday but did not make any concessions.
The protests turned violent in some states, mainly in northern Nigeria, leading state governments to declare curfews. In other states like Abuja, where it was peaceful, the police attacked protesters with tear gas and other ammunition, injuring many.
Amnesty International reported that at least 22 people have been killed since the protests started, most by police officers, although the police dispute the claim.
On Wednesday, the NLC noted that the government cannot hope to stop a democratic protest by threatening the people who are already losing their lives to the “unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters” by the police but by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue.
The labour union said it condemns the continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by the government operatives, noting that the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, and its suppression through “violence is unacceptable.”
“The attempt to criminalise protest is completely deplorable especially in a democracy. The hiring and use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda in an effort to scuttle the protests is most unfortunate.
“The NEC in session also frowns strongly at the unwarranted use of subterfuge on the congress by the government through the Federal Ministry of Labour as it concerns our rights to political participation. It noted the unprofessional and unethical conduct of the minister of labour through the registrar of trade unions in wilfully misdirecting a politically motivated letter to NLC. It is tendentious, mischievous and provocative,” the communique reads.
Audience Survey
In light of the concerns raised, the labour body called for the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies that have led to the current economic crisis.”
According to the union, the government must implement policies that prioritise the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.
It said NEC in session mandated the national leadership to decide on the day NLC will set aside as a national day of mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.
The communique said NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families.
Premium Times Nigeria
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