Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians' concerns amid rising protests. Ajaero stressed Nigerians' right to protest due to economic suffering caused by the administration' s policies.

In a statement posted on the NLC' s website on Monday, July 22, Ajaero refuted the presidency' s contention that the demonstration was politically driven, noting that this does not negate the need to interact with Nigerians.

Ajaero stated that the NLC did not demonstrate to prevent escalating the situation, but will not stand by when Nigerians' right to peaceful protest is violated. He called the government' s answer patronizing and disrespectful, adding that citizens expect a listening ear and a compassionate heart. Ajaero urged President Tinubu to communicate with Nigerians, saying it is unacceptable to encourage citizens not to protest economic suffering.

In his address, Ajaero shed light on the myriad challenges faced by Nigerians, painting a poignant picture of their daily struggles. Central to his message was the pervasive issue of job loss, which has left many grappling with uncertainty about their next meal. Ajaero underscored the profound lack of opportunities available to the nation' s youth, a factor exacerbating their plight.