SAN FRANCISCO, February 09, (THEWILL) – The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday in Abuja received and interacted with the leaders of the nation’s two major labour unions who took to the streets in protest over the hardship in the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, organized their members for protests in Lagos and Abuja against what they described as the worsening living conditions.
They called on the Federal Government to formulate policies that would reduce hardships and improve the lives of workers.
The placard-wielding protesters had earlier besieged the Supreme Court end of the Presidential Villa in continuation of the nationwide #IStandWithNigeria protests which started on Monday.
They were however stopped by security operatives from entering the Aso Villa, but they remain at the entrance.
Osinbajo later sent emissary, asking that the protesters choose about 20 representatives that will be allowed to come and meet with him inside Aso Rock.
The delegates were led to the meeting by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba; and the President of TUC, Bobboi Kaigama. They jointly presented an 18-point demands to the Acting President.
Notable government officials at the interaction included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and the Minister of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu.
Osinbajo, who explained the efforts being made by the Federal Government to tackle corruption and revamp the economy among others, said Nigerians should not expect any gain without some levels of pain.
He however pleaded with Nigerians to show more understanding as, according to him, nothing good comes easy.
“There is no gain without some pains, there is no way you will eat an omelet without breaking an egg,” the Acting President pointed out.
While commending Labour for taking the campaign to Aso Villa on behalf of Nigerians, he said democratically-elected government must constantly report to the people and display accountability.
Osinbajo disclosed that was why the present administration would look into the demands made by the workers with a view to taking positive actions on them.
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