The Acting Nigerian President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday in Abuja received and interacted with the leaders of the two national labour unions who organised rallies to denounce the suffering in the country.

Among those who met with the Acting President are Mr. Tunde Aremu, deputy NLC president; Ayuba Wabba, NLC president; and Baba Gaigama, TUC president and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Notable government officials at the interaction included Ibe Kachukwu, Minister of Petroleum; Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) organised the workers for protests in Lagos and Abuja against what they described as the worsening human condition.

They called on the Federal Government to formulate policies that would reduce hardships and improve the lives of workers.

Before heading for Aso Rock, the protesting workers and activists first stormed the National Assembly Complex to make various demands from the Federal Government bothering on the welfare of workers.

They were received by the leadership of the Senate led by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki‎.

Saraki while addressing the different labour bodies reiterated his promise that the Senate will continue to partner with the leadership of the organised Labour in the country in addressing issues of national importance.

‎The labour bodies equally protested against what they call hardship being faced by Nigerians in this time of recession and called on the Senate to look into it.

The organised labour say the fight against corruption is limited in the centre, calling for extension of the fight to states across the country, while urging the leadership of National Assembly to confirm the acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent embedded with the protesters in Lagos reports that the placard-carrying workers marched from Yaba, to Ikorodu Road, chanting solidarity songs.

The Vice-President of the NLC, Mr Amaechi Asugwani, who addressed the protesters intermittently, appealed to government to bring change that would impact positively on the populace.

According to Asugwani, creating people-oriented policies will reduce the worsening poverty in the country.

He said that the rally was necessitated by the outcry of people, worried about the increasing cost of food, goods and services.

“The government should be sensitive to the plight of the people. It has not increased the salaries of workers and many companies have closed because of poor power supply,” the unionist said.

The protest attracted many activists, including maverick artist and former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Charles Oputa, known popularly as Charlie Boy.

Hundreds of policemen in combat gear were also on hand to monitor proceedings.

On Feb. 6, a similar protest was staged in Lagos and other cities in the country.

•Additional reports by NAN.

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