In response to the arrival of protesters led by Organised Labour at the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, Godswilol Akpabio, called for an emergency closed-door session. During this session, a committee was appointed, with Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, as its leader, to address the protesters.

The protesters arrived at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday as part of a nationwide mass action to voice their opposition to what they perceive as anti-people policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Bola Tinubu. The policies, particularly the removal of subsidy from petrol without corresponding measures to ensure local production and price control, have resulted in unprecedented hardship and suffering for Nigerians.

To engage with the protesters and address their concerns, a committee comprising Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and Senator Tony Nwonye was formed and subsequently met with the demonstrators at the National Assembly.

Among the leaders of the protest were Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, representing the Trade Union Congress (TUC), along with other affiliates of Organised Labour.

The closed-door session and the formation of the committee aimed to open dialogue and find a resolution to the pressing issues raised by the protesters regarding the impact of the subsidy removal on the citizens’ well-being and livelihoods.