Economic Hardship Sparks NLC Protest in Ogun State

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

In response to the prevailing economic hardships in Nigeria, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and the continuous fall of the naira against the dollar, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State has initiated a two-day protest as directed by the national body of workers.

Residents in various states, including Kano, Niger, Oyo, Edo, Lagos, Sokoto, Borno, and Osun, have taken to the streets in recent weeks to express their dissatisfaction with the economic challenges. The NLC’s national leadership had announced the two-day rally to compel both federal and state governments to address issues such as insecurity, hunger, and the escalating poverty rate in the country.

During the protest in Abeokuta, the Chairman of Ogun State NLC, Comrade Hammed Ademola-Benco, emphasized that the rally aims to secure better conditions for Nigerians. Ademola-Benco highlighted the widespread suffering, hunger, and soaring food prices, urging the government to fulfill promises, address citizens’ needs, and make lives more rewarding.

Describing the protest as successful, the Chairman noted the presence of leaders from the 40 affiliates of the union in Ogun State. National Vice President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, expressed regret over the government’s failure to fulfill promises, citing insecurity as a contributing factor to food scarcity and high prices.

Security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are present to maintain law and order during the peaceful rally.