Town Crier News Nigeria can report that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have commenced nationwide protests over the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon his assumption of office on May 29, 2023.

The NLC mobilized protesters across the country who are seen carrying placards with inscriptions like “Tinubu Listen to Nigerians not IMF, not World Bank, let the poor breath” etc.

In Lagos, the protesters converged at the Ikeja under-bridge in Lagos, hence causing heavy traffic in the environs mentioned above.
Last Wednesday, NLC issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to reverse all “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies.
The union also called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and its councils across the states to join in the August 2 nationwide strike to protest the soaring cost of living in the country.

Efforts by the federal government to halt the planned strike and protest failed.
Meanwhile in a strong warning issued by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday afternoon, he noted that there would be no room for violent protest.

While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, IGP Egbetokun in a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.

The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the Labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is a sine qua none, in addressing these issues.

In light of this,IGP Kayode Egbetokun orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

Town Crier News Nigeria eye reporter who is on the ground says there is a heavy presence of men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who are patrolling and ensuring peace and order are maintained. For More NLC Mass action updates, please bookmark Town Crier News Nigeria  on your browser.