ABUJA — Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has advised President Bola Tinubu to engage with leaders planning protests over the ongoing economic hardships in Nigeria. Ajaero emphasized that the right to protest is fundamental and should be acknowledged by the government.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Ajaero highlighted the widespread anger among Nigerians due to the current economic conditions. He noted that many Nigerians are struggling, with some families barely able to afford one meal a day and others resorting to scavenging for food.
Ajaero referenced a recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report indicating that approximately 133 million Nigerians live below extreme poverty, with 32 million experiencing acute hunger in the first three quarters of 2024. He emphasized the severe impact on Nigerians who are facing unemployment and underemployment.
“The situation is dire,” Ajaero said. “It is insensitive to describe the suffering of Nigerians as mere political dissent. Regardless of the motivation behind the protests, citizens have the right to voice their grievances.”
He called on President Tinubu to listen to the concerns of the protesters and address their needs, rather than responding with hostility. Ajaero stressed the importance of government empathy and engagement, stating that the protests are a reflection of deep-seated frustrations.
The NLC has been critical of recent government policies, including increases in the prices of petroleum products and electricity, and the rising costs of public utilities. Ajaero warned that ignoring the protesters’ grievances could exacerbate the current tensions.
As nationwide protests approach, Ajaero urged the government to prioritize dialogue over conflict. “These are challenging times,” he said. “The government must ‘jaw jaw’ and not ‘war war’ with Nigerians. A timely intervention could prevent further unrest.”
Ajaero’s statement underscores the urgent need for government action to address the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.
