President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night met with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja in a last-minute move to address the union’s planned nationwide protest over rising insecurity across the country.
The closed-door meeting, held at the State House, began at about 11:27 p.m. and was attended by NLC President Joe Ajaero; Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma; Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The engagement came days after the NLC announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, citing what it described as a “degenerating security situation” nationwide.
Earlier on Tuesday, the labour union also raised concerns about an alleged plan by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and disrupt the protest.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Ajaero said the union would reassess its protest plans after considering President Tinubu’s submissions.
He explained that the meeting was consultative and that the NLC leadership would deliberate internally before making its position public.
According to him, labour leaders would also reconvene after further engagement with governors to determine their next course of action.
He added that a final decision would be communicated on Wednesday.
“We came for consultation with the president, and we have concluded the discussion. We will return to our meeting and continue tomorrow,” Ajaero said. “This is not an organisation run by one person. After reviewing all that Mr President said, we will decide and move forward.”
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Ajaero did not confirm whether the planned protest had been suspended or cancelled.
Uzodimma, who also addressed journalists, described the talks as constructive and assured Nigerians that updates would be provided at the appropriate time.
“We are dialoguing in the interest of the nation,” he said. “At the end of the process, Nigerians will know the outcome. Labour, government and citizens are all working to serve the country.”
The Minister of Labour and Employment confirmed that the meeting was convened at the request of the NLC leadership, noting that the government had granted the audience to allow for dialogue.