LIVE UPDATES: NLC Holds Protests Over Economic Hardship

Protests against the severe economic hardship have been launched by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) members in a number of the nation's regions.

In an attempt to put an end to the protests, representatives from the Federal Government and Labour met on Monday, but no agreement was achieved.

Protesters began to assemble as early as seven in the morning across the nation, carrying signs and other NLC accoutrements.

11:03 am: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held a nonviolent demonstration in the state capital of Abia, Umuahia, under heavy security, to demand that the government address the high cost of living in Nigeria.

Around the NLC Secretariat on Aba Road, Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, demonstrators gathered, holding placards with various inscriptions, denouncing the government for allegedly failing to carry out agreements reached between the parties on October 2, 2023, after the fuel subsidy was removed.

10:48 a.m.: Gathering protesters in Enugu have joined NLC members across in demonstrating against adversity.

10:27 a.m.: Protesters in Abuja are making their way inside the National Assembly. The NASS gates are flung open, in contrast to earlier complaints, as the protesters enter without resistance from security personnel.
10:26 am: The NLC members in Niger State have joined their counterparts across the country to protest what they describe as rising inflation and hunger Nigerians a faced with.
While escorting members to the Niger State House of Assembly, NLC chairman in Niger State Idris Lafene stated that members are still dealing with the detrimental effects of banditry and other criminal activity.

Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, praised the demonstrators as he welcomed them. He told them that, in a show of support, the state House of Assembly had also adjourned its plenary sessions throughout the protest period. The demonstrators travel around Minna's main thoroughfares while brandishing signs that read "Stop Hunger," "Stop Robbing the Poor: Tax the Rich," "Support Local Manufacturers," and other similar phrases.

10:25 a.m.: Osun State NLC members are demonstrating against Nigeria's economic woes. The demonstrators have gathered beneath the Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
At 10:05 a.m., an NLC demonstration is underway in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

9:48 a.m.: Imo State members of the Nigeria Labour Congress are assembling at the Labour House in Owerri, the state capital, to march to the Government House and make their demands known to the authorities. Danjuma Aboki, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, is on the scene with his men to prevent any disruption of law and order and to make sure the demonstration is not taken over.

NLC Bauchi State Council members are scheduled to start protesting at 9:46 a.m. Members of the crowd are getting ready to hit the streets at any minute now that things have greatly improved.

9:43: The NLC Secretariat in Abuja is bursting at the seams with protestors.

9:43 AM: The NLC protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital just kicked off.
9:14 am: Labour union members marched down the well-known Independence Way in the capital of Kaduna State as part of a street demonstration, starting from the NLC Secretariat. The workers believe that not even a threat from the government can stop them from expressing their discontent with the dire economic conditions in the nation, as they sing and raise placards and banners with diverse messaging. To prevent things from getting out of control, they are pleading with the government to act quickly to address the growing rates of inflation, insecurity, and the exorbitant cost of food and other necessities.

At nine ten in the morning, union members from the NLC, NUT, NURTW, and other organisations are gathering at the National Museum Ground in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, in order to prepare for the demonstration.

8:57 a.m.: Union members have started to gather at the Race Course in Kano State to protest against economic hardship.
8:57 a.m.: Participants in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demonstration, organised by the Kaduna State branch of the organisation, gathered at the state headquarters. To prevent any breakdown of law and order, security has been stepped up around the state capital in advance of the demonstration. The Kaduna State NLC leader, Ayuba Suleiman, is spearheading the demonstration.

8:50 am: The NLC office in Bauchi, the location of the demonstration, has security positioned in front of it. Though new employees are continually coming in, the number of individuals in the office is currently not very large.