NLC Protests in Bauchi Over Economic Hardship, Threatens Nationwide Shutdown

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a peaceful protest in Bauchi on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the current economic difficulties in the nation.

The protest, which began at the Labour Secretariat and concluded at the Bauchi Government House, saw workers marching through major roads and streets in the Bauchi metropolis.

Addressing the crowd at the Government House, NLC Chairman Comrade Dauda M. Shuaibu recalled the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, which led to untold hardship for Nigerian workers.

The NLC called a National Executive Council meeting and subsequently tabled their grievances before the Federal Government, which resulted in the formation of a committee on palliatives.

However, the committee has not been able to submit its report within the eight-week deadline.

The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that if their grievances are not addressed within one week, the government should expect a total shutdown of the country.

The NLC Chairman highlighted the rising prices of commodities, including a bag of rice increasing from N20,000 to N70,000 and a bag of maize from N60,000. Meanwhile, the salary for workers remains the same.

The NLC’s demands include the implementation of the October 2nd resolution and the provision of meaningful results from the tripartite committee on palliatives.

If these demands are not met, the NLC has vowed to embark on a total shutdown of Nigeria.