The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that it is not the organizer of the planned nationwide hunger protest slated for August 1.
In a statement signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union debunked reports of its withdrawal from the protest, emphasizing that it cannot withdraw from a protest it did not organize.
The NLC expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people, who are facing dire living conditions due to harsh economic policies. The union advised the federal government and sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the people and address the economic crisis.
The planned protest comes as the National Bureau of Statistics released a report indicating a rise in prices of food items, including beans, tomatoes, Irish potatoes, Garri, and yam, in June 2024. The NBS report showed that headline inflation increased to 34.19% in June, with food inflation rising above 40%.
The government has appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned protest, with President Bola Tinubu urging citizens to give his administration more time to address the economic challenges.
A meeting was held between ministers and security officials to discuss the planned protest.
