Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have begun nationwide protests over the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent hike in petrol prices, among other grievances.
The protesters gathered on Wednesday, August 2, at the Ikeja under-bridge in Lagos to express their discontent and demand action from the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
KanyiDaily recalls that in his inaugural address on May 29, President Tinubu declared an end to the petrol subsidy regime, which immediately led to a surge in petrol prices and subsequent price increases in transportation, causing a significant impact on the cost of living and inflation rates.
Last week, the NLC issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government, urging a reversal of what they consider “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies.
The union called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and state councils to join them in a nationwide protest scheduled for August 2, in a bid to highlight the escalating cost of living in the country.
Despite the federal government’s attempts to avert the planned strike and protest, their efforts have been unsuccessful as videos circulating on social media show that the NLC has commenced procession.
Watch the video below:
NLC Nationwide Protest Update: Location Ikeja Lagos State, Date August 2, 2023 [Video]
Follow @Regency_NG For LIVE Situation Report#Protest APC NLC President/Fashola/Congratulations Peter/PEPT/Charles Anazodo/Olosho/May August/ECOMOG/Helicopter pic.twitter.com/R2at4lN7rZ
— Regency Reporters (@Regency_NG) August 2, 2023
Massive procession towards Allen avenue, ikeja. NLC #Protest against fuel subsidy, custom duty increase, electricity tariff and tuition hike pic.twitter.com/p8koZGttFo
— Entertainment, Sport and News (@BuzzCapitalNG) August 2, 2023
Lagos is on the move. The momentum is gathering. People are suffering. Nigerians are organizing.
If you are not at the NLC #Protest this morning, you are wrong! #LetThePoorBreathe #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/sPDPybMMPy
— JuwonSanyaolu (@AyowoleSanyaolu) August 2, 2023
Well it’s about time. 😩😩💔
Because we can’t continue living like this. #Protest pic.twitter.com/cMYfRJKb1N
— Esther Nyame (@esthelnyame) August 2, 2023
KanyiDaily recalls that last week, Civil Society Organizations in Edo embarked on a street protest, expressing their vehement opposition to the persistent rise in petrol pump prices.