The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took to the streets of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Wednesday, in a peaceful protest against the recent increase in petrol prices amid tight security.
The protest, organized by the national secretariat of the NLC, also voiced opposition to the rising school fees in Federal Government-owned schools and the overall economic hardship facing the nation.
The protest, directed by the national secretariat of the NLC, was also against the increase in school fees in Federal Government-owned schools and the general economic hardship in the nation.
The Plateau protest, which was generally peaceful, commenced at Secretariat Junction and later proceeded to the state secretariat gate and was attended by thousands of workers drawn from different units that make up NLC and TUC.
Addressing the press during the protest, the NLC Chairman Plateau State, Mr Eugene Manji said that the protest was in solidarity with the National body which called for national action because of the poor polices of the government and the harsh economic situation of the country.
Comrade Eugene called on the government to look into the recent hike in petrol prices which may still be on the increase and called for immediate fixing of the refineries. he state that Government should listen to the plight of the mases of Nigeria.
Also speaking, the TUC Chairman Plateau State, Comrade Kenneth Shammah, stated that it was commendable that organized Labour has put out its demands and further suggested a number of solutions to government that will help alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
“They said let the Poor breath, but how can the poor breath with the difficult polices that they put in place, we have provided a very simple template for government because as Nigerian workers, we know the system, we understand the system”. Comrade Kenneth stated.
The State Secretariat premises in Jos Plateau state was under tight security as men of the Nigeria Police Force were in their vehicles monitoring the exercise to ensure the protest did not turn violent.
Banks, government offices and some shops complied with the NLC directive as they remained locked in solidarity.
There was a traffic gridlock around the city even as bank customers were disappointed.
The protesting NLC members complained that whatever they receive as salaries have been wiped away by economic inflation.
As of the time of filling this report there were indications that the strike and protest will continue on Thursday 3rd August pending further directives.
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