NATIONWIDE NLC PROTESTS SWEEP ACROSS MAJOR CITIES IN NIGERIA AGAINST FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL
A wave of protests engulfed Nigeria on Wednesday as members of the NLC and concerned citizens expressed their discontent with what they termed “anti-poor” policies put forth by the government.
The focal point of the demonstrations was in Abuja, the capital city, where key roads witnessed partial and complete blockades at strategic junctions, causing severe traffic congestion and restricted movement.
In the early hours, Eventville reporters were on the ground to capture the unfolding events. By 9 AM, a sizeable contingent of demonstrators had gathered near the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Maitama. They embarked on a march that further disrupted vehicular movement.
While certain private enterprises maintained their operations, overall commercial activities experienced a slowdown due to the gridlock at the Nyanya Axis. Here, military personnel stationed at Abacha Barracks had instituted partial road blockades, compounding the congestion.
To prevent potential security concerns, prominent routes were heavily guarded by security forces.
The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the reversal of policies that were deemed detrimental to the well-being of less privileged citizens.
In a televised address on Monday night, the President assured the public of impending salary increases. However, he reiterated the government’s stance on non-negotiability of policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which had sparked the current outrage.
Attempts by labour union representatives to negotiate with the Federal Government were met with resistance, thereby intensifying the nationwide demonstrations.
In Lagos State, specifically around the Ikeja under-bridge area, a substantial security presence was noted as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) initiated widespread protests against the removal of petrol subsidies. Likewise, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) reported the mobilization of approximately 2 million individuals across the region to join the Nigeria Labour Congress in the protests.
Eyewitnesses in Akwa Ibom state shared videos and accounts of spirited NLC participants marching along major thoroughfares, brandishing flags, and vocalizing unity songs.
Delta State was not exempt from the wave of protests. NLC demonstrators rallied, carrying flags and banners adorned with various slogans that underscored the hardships inflicted on Nigerians due to recent fuel subsidy eliminations and relentless spikes in fuel prices.
Throughout these nationwide protests, demonstrators rallied around President Tinubu’s phrases, particularly the rallying cry of “let the poor breathe.” This motto became a resounding hashtag and emblem for the labor union-led demonstration.
The core message of these protests is unequivocal: condemning the worsening living conditions exacerbated by soaring fuel prices, which have adversely affected millions across the country.