The Nigerian government's response to the recent national protests, sparked by economic hardship and discontent with governance, has been hard and complicated. As protests heightened on 11 August 2024, holding the banner of the #EndBadGovernance movement, demanding policy change and accountability, the government has struggled to strike a balance between addressing legitimate grievances and maintaining order.

One aspect of the government's response has been to condemn the violent tactics used by some protesters. The destruction of the Nigeria Communications Commission office in Kano during the protests was strongly condemned by the government, which has highlighted the financial impact of such actions. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the government to engage in dialogue and address the policies that are causing hardship for the people rather than resorting to violence.

The protests were sparked by a combination of factors, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which led to a sharp increases in prices, and the implementation of economic policies that many Nigerians believed had worsened their financial hardship. The powerful Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was among the first to condemn the government's actions, calling on the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue and reverse policies that were causing hardship for citizens.

The government's early response to the protests was a mix of appeasing gestures and heavy-handed tactics. While officials acknowledged the protesters' concerns, they also condemned the destruction of public property, such as the attack on the Nigerian Communications Commission offices in Kano. The government has focused on the financial impact of such actions, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests.

The NLC has called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue with protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve the current crisis. They also called on to reverse the government's economic policies that they said had plunged the country into economic hardship. The NLC warned that failure to address these issues could lead to further unrest and even instructed its members to stay home for their safety.

In response to the deaths and injuries of several citizens during the protests at the hands of the police, the NLC called for an independent investigation of the killings and maiming of protesters. They also called for a National Day of Mourning to commemorate those who died during the protests.

The NLC's NEC has expressed strong opposition to government interference in the union affairs , particularly the actions of the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions. They have called for an instant retraction of a "politically motivated" letter sent to the NLC by the Registrar of Trade Unions.

The government's response to the protests has been a combination of criticism, dialogue, and intervention. While the government has condemned the violent tactics, the NLC has called for a more conciliatory approach that addresses the basic cause of the protests. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the demonstrations, it remains to be seen if the government would pay attention  the calls for change and engage in constructive dialogue with the protesters and other stakeholders.

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