Follow Us on Google
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on strike over the delay by the federal government to address their concerns, in the aftermath of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS).
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, made the appeal, in his speech welcoming members back from their annual vacation. Abbas contended that a strike action by NLC, at this time, will compound the woes of the country.
He noted that the country is currently faced with daunting economic challenges, which has led to rising cost of living, absence of “livable wages”, as well as fluctuating foreign exchange rates amongst others. The speaker added that what is needed at this time is a visionary leadership with a commitment and capacity to tackle the challenges.
“Our economic challenges remain as daunting as they were before the recess. The country is challenged on several economic fronts: cost of living crisis occasioned by high cost of energy, cost of food is skyrocketing daily, lack of livable wages, the negative effects of the unpredictable and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, a disappearing middle class and a host of other issues.
“When people are hungry and despondent, what is needed is a leadership with a clear vision, a leadership that on daily basis, demonstrates its commitment and capacity to tackle the challenges at hand; a leadership that should be innovative in proffering short and long term solutions. That is what Nigerians need at this time and as Representatives of the people, we must rise up to the occasion…
“On account of these economic challenges, the organized labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) seems to have lost patience with the painstaking effort of the government to plan and provide sustainable minimum wage and palliatives to citizens.
“The organized labour it appears would embark on a nationwide strike by this midnight following the expiration of a 21 days ultimatum issued to government. As the peoples’ representatives, we feel and equally share in the pains of our people at these very difficult times.
“However, I would like to appeal to the Nigerian Labour Congress to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardship faced by Nigerians. As promised earlier, this House remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers,” Abbas stated.
