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In light of the impending nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Senate has urgently issued a plea, urging the labour union to reconsider its planned action.
The Senate’s appeal is driven by genuine concern over the strike’s potential to cause drastic hardships for everyday Nigerians, warning that the nation could face an unprecedented state of turmoil and suffering.
Addressing the situation, the Senate expressed on Monday that while it fully respects the NLC’s right to protest, it is essential to carefully consider the potential fallout that could significantly disrupt citizens’ daily lives and livelihoods. Finding a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of the workers while safeguarding the overall welfare of the nation is of paramount importance. The Senate earnestly appeals for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the issues at hand, avoiding actions that could exacerbate the already challenging socio-economic conditions in the country.
Amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic and the ongoing recovery efforts, the Nigerian economy remains vulnerable. A widespread labour strike could exacerbate the situation, potentially causing inflation, scarcity of goods and services, and inconvenience for the population.
To address the concerns of the striking workers, the Senate emphasizes its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with the NLC. By prioritizing negotiation and open communication, there is optimism that a compromise can be reached to protect workers’ rights while ensuring the smooth functioning of the nation’s economy.
In this pursuit of resolution, the Upper Chamber also calls upon other relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government and private sector representatives, to participate in the dialogue with the NLC. A broad-based discussion is seen as crucial in finding a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the issues at hand.
As the nation watches these developments unfold, there is a collective hope for a peaceful resolution that places the welfare of workers at the forefront while maintaining economic stability. With the proposed strike looming, the need for dialogue and understanding has never been more critical.
n Tuesday, July 25th, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took a strong stance against the policies implemented by the President Bola Tinubu administration, demanding a reversal of what they deemed “anti-poor” measures, particularly the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Following their Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the NLC issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging them to address the concerns of the Nigerian people. Failure to take appropriate action within this timeframe would lead to nationwide protests, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
The communique, jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and the union’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, conveyed the union’s frustration with the government’s disregard for the well-being of the citizens. They accused the Federal Government of displaying a significant level of disdain and contempt for both Nigerian workers and the general public, likening the government’s approach to a war of attrition on the masses.
The NLC’s announcement highlighted their determination to protect the rights and welfare of the Nigerian people, signaling their readiness to take decisive action to address the issues they perceive as detrimental to the country’s vulnerable populations.
