The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to shut down its services across the country if any of its members are attacked during its planned two-day protest scheduled to begin on February 27, 2024.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC reiterated its determination to proceed with the planned industrial action, stressing that there is no turning back.

The statement highlighted the pressing need for the Federal Government to honor its agreements with Organised Labour and address the escalating economic crisis in Nigeria. The country is currently grappling with soaring inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, economic hardships, and a high cost of living exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidy, which has led to protests in various parts of the nation.

Despite alleged attempts by the government to dissuade the group from embarking on the planned strike, the NLC asserted that its members would not be intimidated into abandoning their proposed nationwide protest.

Expressing concern over purported plans to disrupt the peaceful rallies scheduled across the country, Ajaero emphasized the NLC’s determination to push forward with the demonstrations against economic hardships and insecurity. He condemned the reported use of force by government agents to suppress dissent, citing incidents in Minna and other cities where protesters were allegedly tear-gassed, beaten, and detained.

Ajaero emphasized that the hunger and economic distress experienced by Nigerians cannot be quelled through violence or state-sponsored intimidation, urging the government to address the root causes of the crisis.

“In light of this,” Ajaero stated, “we at the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society allies are moving ahead with our protest rallies against economic hardship and insecurity in line with the decision of the National Executive Council.”