Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Lagos converged on the Ikeja Bridge early on Tuesday to begin their two-day protest over the high cost of living in the country.

Traffic on the Awolowo Road leading to the underbridge Ikeja mounted as the protesters gathered, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards.

Recall that the NLC leadership fixed February 27 and 28 for a two-day protest over the high cost of living.

The protesters were seen on Tuesday in Ikeja as early as 8:00 a.m., and there was also a heavy police presence at the Ikeja under bridge.

Speaking before the march began at 9:15 a.m., the Lagos State Chairman, NLC, Funmi Sessi, said that the protest was against the economic hardship faced by workers and Nigerians at large.

“The price of foodstuffs has gone beyond the reach of Nigerians; the price of rice and beans has gone up as well. The monthly salary of workers no longer takes them home, not to talk about taking care of their families. We are marching to the State House of Assembly to present a letter; this protest is purely organised by the NLC, with the support of some affiliate bodies,” she said.

She commended the security operatives led by the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade, who was physically present to lead the team to ensure hoodlums did not hijack the protest.

Security operatives, including police, civil defence, neighbourhood watch and LASTMA, were both at the front and back of the protesters.

This was to ensure they were protected, according to the commissioner of police’s promise.

(NAN)