On Thursday morning, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Steel Development in Wuse 2, Abuja, blocking the entrance to the complex in a show of resistance against what they described as poor treatment of workers.
The protesting unionists, led by Eche Asuzu, expressed outrage over alleged unfair dismissals of ministry staff and restrictions on workers’ rights to freely associate and engage in union activities.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards bearing bold messages, the protesters shut the gates of the ministry, effectively preventing employees from accessing their offices.
Their demands centered around improved working conditions, fair wages, and the reversal of decisions they claim violate workers’ rights.
“This protest is about the welfare of our members and the unjust treatment they’ve endured. We are saying no to arbitrary sackings and no to suppressing union activities,” one protester said.
The demonstration is part of a broader wave of civil unrest. Earlier in the week, youths under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement had taken to the streets in Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers to demand, among other things, the reversal of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
The labour unions insist they will not back down until their grievances are addressed, and have vowed to sustain the pressure on the Federal Government if no action is taken.
