The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to carry out the scheduled protests on Tuesday and Wednesday to address the pressing issues of “mounting hunger and insecurity” in Nigeria. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this announcement in a statement released on Sunday.

Ajaero expressed concerns that the Federal Government was allegedly attempting to use a loosely defined group called the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) to disrupt and attack NLC members during the rallies. He emphasized that if any of their members were targeted during the protests, the NLC would ensure a complete shutdown of Nigeria by withdrawing essential services provided by workers.

Recent warnings from the Department of State Services (DSS) cautioned that the planned protests could be infiltrated by “certain elements.” Additionally, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, warned that participating in the rallies would be regarded as contempt of court.

However, the NLC statement countered these concerns, stating, “We want to inform Nigerians that the government has devised plans to disrupt our peaceful rallies nationwide.” Ajaero specifically mentioned the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) as one of the groups allegedly coordinated and supported by the government to incite violence against NLC members, who have chosen to peacefully protest against the prevailing hunger in the country.

Nevertheless, the NLC remains steadfast, determined, and fully prepared to express their grievances and anguish in a peaceful manner, as Nigerians come together on the 27th and 28th of February 2024.