The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated that it will not back down from a nationwide protest over the increase in the price of petrol at the pump and other concerns. 

The group said in a statement late Tuesday that despite having a meeting with the federal government, the mass protest will go as scheduled.

“We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the federal government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria,” NLC president Joe Ajaero said in the statement.

Mr Ajaero added, “The outcome of this meeting earlier today has, however, not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.”

The union is calling for the abolition of what it called “anti-poor policies of the government,” such as the increase in the pump price of petrol, tuition and VAT, among other things.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protests, acting Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun pleaded with the parties participating to prevent miscreants from hijacking the demonstrations.

“In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests,” force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement.

“A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist,” Mr Egbetokun said.