By Milcah Tanimu

The organised labour in Nigeria has initiated mobilization efforts for a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, addressing the current cost of living crisis in the country. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held a Zoom meeting on February 16, 2024, where they resolved to demand the immediate implementation of agreements with the Federal Government. Failure by the government to fulfill promises within the 14-day ultimatum period, which ends on February 22, will lead to a two-day nationwide protest.

Fuel queues were observed in various states, including Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Ogun, and Abuja, as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) commenced a strike on Monday. NARTO’s decision to halt the transportation of petroleum products is in response to the high cost of operations, particularly the rising price of diesel needed to power their trucks.

The Federal Government is reportedly engaging in negotiations with oil marketers to avert the suspension of tanker drivers’ operations. Despite the ongoing dialogue, the Nigerian Labour Congress remains resolute in its plan to proceed with the planned protests, citing economic hardships, inflation, and currency devaluation as drivers of the crisis.

As the fuel scarcity intensifies, youths in Ibadan staged protests against the soaring cost of living. The demonstrations spread to various parts of the city, disrupting commercial activities. Similar protests were witnessed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a lone protester expressed grievances over the harsh economic conditions and called for government intervention to kickstart local production and diversify the economy.

The strike by NARTO has led to the closure of many filling stations in several states, causing concerns about fuel scarcity. While major energy marketers believe the strike may not significantly impact them, independent marketers express worries about the potential for fuel shortages. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited filling station in Kubwa, Abuja, was locked on Monday, and long queues were observed at some stations.

The impending nationwide protest, along with the ongoing fuel scarcity, adds to the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy, prompting calls for urgent dialogue and resolution to prevent further disruptions and hardships for citizens.