The refusal to implement the I6-point agreement reached with the Federal Government since October 2, 2023 shows a blatant disregard for the principles of good faith, welfare and rights of Nigerian workers, the organized Labour Unions have said,
The Unions under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)of Nigeria expressed profound concern over the conduct by the Federal Government in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The statement signed by both the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo, said despite the passage of time, majority of the agreements reached on the implementation of policies to support the introduction of palliative measure to cushion the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidy and other policies remain either unmet or negligibly addressed.
“These agreements reached with the federal government were focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socio-economic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF, World Bank induced hike in the price of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) and the Devaluation of the Naira. These dual policies have had as we predicted dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria,” the Unions said.
Apart from widespread hunger now ravishing millions of Nigerians, the organized Labour said the workers’ purchasing power has significantly been eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension.
Nigerians, they noted, are left wondering where their next meals would come from and what tomorrow might bring.
“The level of panic and anxiety amongst the populace has become nightmarish. Unfortunately, in the midst of all these, it appears our government is bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.
“We wish to state that these agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honoured as pledged by the Federal Government.
“From Wage Awards, Palliative adjustments to improved access to public utilities to the meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the interference by the Lagos State Government in union activities, the case of illegal and unlawful proscription of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN.
“The government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the Working people and the citizenry,” the Unions said.
Constrained by this development, and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the agreement within 14 days from February 9, 2024.
Expressing regrets that they were compelled to resort to the ultimatum, the Labour movement said the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship left them with no choice.
They instead that everything must be done within the two weeks’ deadline to resolve the issue to avoid being compelled to take other appropriate steps to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the masses.
While calling on the Federal Government to honor its commitments without delay, the NLC and TUC said the time for empty promises and excuses has passed.
“The time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for workers and the masses all over the federation. Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to -compel remedial action by Government,” they said.
Restating their commitment to the resolve towards salvaging Nigerian workers, the Labour movement said the masses must be saved from the apparent insensitivity and lethargy of those in the corridors of power who are supposed to be the bastion of public trust.
