*condemns crackdown on peaceful protests, tasks Nigerian govt on dialogue
The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has condemned the Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests across the country.
In a statement on Friday, ITUC-Africa expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people and called for immediate dialogue to address the socio-economic conditions driving the protests.
Our correspondent reports that on Thursday, August 1, Nigerians took to the streets to protest the economic hardship and increasing cost of living in the country.
ITUC-Africa criticized the government’s heavy-handed response to the protest which led to death of several persons.
The regional organisation said the government action violates fundamental human rights and deepens frustration and despair. It urged the government to prioritize measures such as streamlining governmental structures, deploying resources to critical sectors, providing safety nets, and implementing institutional reforms.
“Instead of deploying force, the government must address the root causes of these protests: the worsening socio-economic conditions that have plagued Nigerian working people for a couple of years now,” Akhator Joel Odigie, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa said in his statement issued from the organisation office in Lomé, Togo
“The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters is a gross violation of these fundamental rights. Additionally, as a member of ECOWAS, Nigeria is bound by the regional bloc’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, which includes respecting the voices of its people,” Odigie added.
The ITUC-Africa cited the National Bureau of Statistics’ figures showing 133 million people living in multidimensional poverty, food, and fuel inflation at a 28-year-high, and grinding unemployment as evidence of the government’s failure to provide for its citizens.
Odigie called for genuine engagement with the people, addressing their grievances, and implementing reforms that uplift rather than oppress the masses.
He said, “It is time for the Nigerian government to heed the calls of its people and take immediate, decisive action to alleviate their suffering. ITUC Africa stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people and will continue to advocate for their rights and dignity.
“ITUC-Africa calls on the Nigerian government to immediately cease all acts of violence against protesters and instead engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to genuine action. The government must prioritise the following measures:
“Cut the Size of Government: Streamline governmental structures to reduce inefficiency and corruption, redirecting resources to critical sectors. Deploy Resources Where They Are Needed Most: Focus on areas that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, such as healthcare, education, and social services.
“Provide Safety Nets: Establish robust social safety nets devoid of tokenism and corruption to protect the most vulnerable from the harsh impacts of economic reforms.
“Institutional Reforms: Implement comprehensive institutional reforms that ensure the government is efficient, transparent, and truly serves the interests of its citizens.
“The Nigerian government must act now to restore hope and trust or risk further unrest and instability. The path to sustainable development lies in genuine engagement with the people, addressing their grievances, and implementing reforms that uplift rather than oppress the masses. The world and Africa’s organised labour community are watching, and history will judge this government by its actions in this critical moment.”
