The Department of State Services (DSS) has advised Organised Labour to opt for negotiation and dialogue rather than proceeding with the scheduled nationwide protests on February 27 and 28, 2024, concerning the high cost of living and economic challenges in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) plans for protest, the DSS emphasized the importance of abandoning the nationwide protest to maintain peace and public order.
In a statement by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, it was highlighted that the Service is aware of potential elements intending to exploit the NLC/TUC protest to incite crisis and widespread violence.
The Service also urged Nigerians to allow the government time to address the existing challenges, emphasizing the collective efforts across all levels of government to find solutions to the current economic difficulties.
The statement reads, “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February, 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues. While the Service recognises such action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.”
