The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has commended its members and civil society allies for turning out on Wednesday to prosecute the strike action against the increase in pump price of petroleum product.
Reports across the country, however, show that the strike was greeted with apathy by Nigerians in general as most people went about their businesses.
The congress praised those who supported the protest, for taking action “in spite of teething challenges”.
“We salute their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming acts of threats and treachery,” the union said.
The strike had little effect on normal daily activities in several states on Wednesday. Full compliance was recorded only in a few states.
But the union vowed to continue with the protest, saying “no reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be different”.
“Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the protest continues tomorrow,” it said in a statement Wednesday evening.
“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members, friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest tomorrow.
“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout tomorrow (Thursday) at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is just the beginning,” said the statement signed by Peter Ozo-Eson, NLC’s secretary general.
