Economic Hardship: Benue Workers Protest High Cost Of Living

Scores of workers, under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Benue State, staged a protest on Tuesday, highlighting their concerns over the prevailing economic hardships in the country. The demonstrators, starting from the NLC state secretariat along Otukpo road, marched through major streets in the capital city of Makurdi before concluding their protest at the government house.

Security operatives were strategically positioned to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order during the demonstration.

Comrade Terungwa Igbe, the State Chairman of NLC, expressed frustration over the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, attributing them to what he deemed as unfavorable economic policies of the Federal Government. Igbe emphasized that the high cost of living has severely impacted workers, urging President Bola Tinubu to implement policies aimed at alleviating the suffering of the masses.

Zonal Coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nsukka Zone, Mr. Rapheal Amokaha, also joined the chorus of discontent, stating that current salaries could no longer sustain two persons for a month due to the soaring cost of living.

In response to the protesters, State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Paul Biam, acknowledged the challenges faced by workers and Nigerians. The governor assured the demonstrators that their grievances would be conveyed to President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Alia expressed solidarity with the workers, acknowledging the tough times faced by Nigerians. He pledged the government’s commitment to engaging with labor leaders to develop policies aimed at improving the standard of living for the citizens.

“We are in complete support of whatever legitimate ways you are doing to ensure that the government is on her toes to bring in policies that will alleviate the sufferings of the masses. We are aware of your sufferings. We understand your predicaments. Please be assured of the Governor’s concern and worry. We understand your predicaments, and we will continue to engage your leadership to ensure that together we build a better Benue,” he stated.