Some workers coordinated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took to the streets on Thursday in Lagos and Abuja to protest what they described as the worsening human condition.
They called on the Federal Government to formulate policies that would reduce hardships and improve the lives of workers.
The Acting Nigerian President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, received and interacted with the leaders of the two national labour unions who organized the rallies to denounce the suffering in the country, in Abuja.
Among those who met with the Acting President are Mr. Tunde Aremu, deputy NLC president; Ayuba Wabba, NLC president; and Baba Gaigama, TUC president and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Notable government officials at the interaction included Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of Petroleum; Senetor Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment.
The protesters called on the Federal Government to formulate policies that would reduce hardships and improve the lives of workers.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent embedded with the protesters reports that the placard-carrying workers marched from Yaba, to Ikorodu Road, chanting solidarity songs.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria also joined in the rally.
The Vice-President of the NLC, Mr Amaechi Asugwani, who addressed the protesters intermittently, appealed to government to bring change that would impact positively on the populace.
According to Asugwani, creating people-oriented policies will reduce the worsening poverty in the country.
He said that the rally was necessitated by the outcry of people, worried about the increasing cost of food, goods and services.
“The government should be sensitive to the plight of the people. It has not increased the salaries of workers and many companies have closed because of poor power supply,” the unionist said.
