Tinubu Responds to NLC Hardship Protest, Rejects Nine-Month Judgment

In a firm response to the recent protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over hardship, Tinubu asserted that it is unreasonable to evaluate his performance in just nine months

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stating that it is inappropriate for unions to call for a strike within the first nine months of an administration. His remarks came during the commissioning of the Lagos Red Line Train connecting from Agbado to Oyingbo.

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government of Nigeria over the failure to implement agreements reached on October 2 following the removal of fuel subsidy. Despite economic hardship, the unions decided to embark on a two-day nationwide protest.

Despite security concerns raised by the Department of State Services (DSS), the protest commenced on Monday in many Nigerian cities. However, after evaluating its impact, the National Executive Council of the NLC suspended the protest on day two.

Expressing disapproval of the protests, Tinubu deemed holding protests within nine months of his administration as “unacceptable.” He implied that the NLC’s actions were politically motivated and suggested that if they intended to engage in political activism, they should wait until the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging ongoing hardships, Tinubu affirmed his commitment to reforms despite resistance from what he referred to as ‘smugglers’. He vowed to combat corruption and assured Nigerians that the current economic challenges resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification are temporary.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to persevere, emphasizing that there is a bright future ahead for the country.