Workers in Ekiti State joined others across Nigeria on Tuesday, February 27, to protest against the high cost of living resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy and the fluctuating exchange rate. The protest, organized by the 39 affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, took place at Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, under the supervision of the police.
Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the protesters marched through major streets in Ado-Ekiti, including those leading to the Okesa Market, Market, and Adebayo Area, causing a temporary blockade. Some of the placards read “Mr President, Address High Cost of Foods”, “Remove Tax on Drugs”, “We Say No to Slavery”, “End insecurity”, “Help Fix Our Refineries”, and “Enough is Enough”.
Speaking to the press, Ekiti NLC chairman, Comr. Kolapo Olatunde, stated that the protest was necessary to alert governments at all levels to the unbearable hardship faced by the people. He emphasized that the surge in the cost of goods and services has made life increasingly difficult for Nigerians.
Olatunde called on President Tinubu to take urgent economic measures to alleviate the current hardship, stressing the need for reliable stakeholders to advise on the right course of action. He reiterated the workers' desire for a better country, where the exchange rate does not devalue the naira and where production efforts are not overshadowed by economic challenges.
