Subsidy Removal: Labour Protest in Lagos Peaceful

Segun James

Workers Wednesday stormed the complex of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) and the streets of Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State in compliance with the call of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in protest against the recent removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government. The protest was largely peaceful.

Although workers of the state government did not join in the protest as they go about their normal duties, the protesters gathered at the Ikeja under-bridge early in the morning before marching to the LSHA.

The NLC and some civil society organisations (CSOs) had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government last week, demanding the reversal of what they described as “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies policies of the government.

The protest resulted in a massive gridlock in the area, with protesters displaying placards and chanting slogans denouncing the subsidy removal and expressing their grievances against the rising cost of living.

The demonstrators demanded the immediate action from the government to address the impact of the subsidy removal on ordinary citizens, who are already grappling with economic challenges.

Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, was present at the protest and offered advice to the National Assembly regarding the controversial N70 billion renovation at the protest ground. 

Falana urged the legislative body to prioritize the welfare of the citizens and reconsider their decisions in the face of widespread public discontent.

The protest was peaceful even amidst heavy presence of the police Rapid Response Squad and other security agencies.