Workers came out in their numbers in Plateau to peacefully protest against the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

The local, state, and federal government workers took to the streets of Jos carrying placards with different inscriptions to express their displeasure over the biting hardship.

Some inscriptions were ‘hunger is killing us’, ‘end insecurity, create jobs and economic prosperity’, ‘education is our right, stop school fees increase’ and ’make our refineries work’.

The national body of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared the protest on February 16 to draw the government’s attention to the sufferings of the masses, especially workers.

Plateau NLC chairman Eugene Manji, who addressed the protesters, said that it had become almost impossible for the masses to feed, transport, and pay their children’s school fees.

Mr Manji said the protest was not to witch-hunt, malign, or disgrace the government of the day but to draw its attention to the sufferings of the masses.

According to Mr Manji, many Nigerians are dying as a result of economic hardship, as many could not feed themselves or take care of their health.

He noted that though the struggle for better economic welfare did not start with the current government, it had worsened as a result of the subsidy removal and spike in the exchange rate.

Kiri Jaryum, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Jos branch, said workers would resist the tribulations and continue living.

Mr Jaryum said workers would not only live but live better, stating that the economic condition had pushed Nigerian workers to the war.

Anthony Joro, chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Jos branch, said the hardship the workers faced was beyond comprehension.

“Some years ago, our minimum wage was 30,000, and a bag of rice goes for less than 6,000. Then today, a bag of rice is going for N70,000 to N100,000.

“Even with local rice, we cannot afford it again. I was so surprised this morning when I was told that a cup of sugar now costs N400.

“My fellow workers, you must know that this clarion call is necessary for us to survive. Let us all support our leadership to continue to fight for our good,’’ Mr Joro added. 

(NAN)