The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has agreed to suspend its planned nationwide protests against insecurity and key economic policies following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was reached after a meeting convened by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, who led leaders of the NLC to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday night.
At the conclusion of the talks, which continued into the early hours of Wednesday, both Governor Uzodimma and NLC President Joe Ajaero briefed journalists on the outcome of the engagement.
Governor Uzodimma said the President’s personal intervention was instrumental in de-escalating tensions and opening a new channel of communication between the Federal Government and organised labour.
According to him, “The President listened to the concerns of labour and made commitments aimed at addressing the issues raised. As a result, an avenue for continuous engagement has been established.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed the decision to put off the protests, describing the Federal Government’s assurances as encouraging.
He said, “We have agreed to the promises made by the Federal Government. They represent a step in the right direction. We will now take these resolutions back to our members for implementation and final consideration.”
Ajaero added that labour remains committed to constructive engagement but stressed that outcomes of the discussions would be communicated to workers nationwide.
The suspension of the protests comes amid mounting public concern over insecurity and the economic hardship facing Nigerians, issues that had prompted the labour union’s planned demonstrations.
