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By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly denounced recent comments by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume regarding the recent nationwide strike led by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In a statement by the head, Information and Public Affairs, NLC, Benson Upah, the congress emphasized that the SGF’s characterization of the strike as “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” was unacceptable.
Upah asserted that they undermine the legitimate grievances of Nigerian workers.
According to the NLC, the demands for a new national minimum wage, a reversal of electricity tariff hikes, and an end to discriminatory electricity consumer classifications are essential for economic justice and fairness.
Upah stated that, “The SGF’s comments trivialize the genuine concerns of Nigerian workers,” stated the NLC, highlighting the disconnect between government officials and the everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
“The demands of the NLC and TUC are clear and just. We seek the conclusion and signing into law of a new national minimum wage that is in sync with the realities of the cost of living, a reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh, and an end to the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands. These demands are grounded in the need for economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens.”
He added that “The SGF we are sure clearly knows those whose actions are treasonable and sabotages our economy. Those who loot our treasury around the country, those who divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools; those who are involved in foreign exchange round tripping; padding of budgets and inflating contracts including those who steal trillions of Naira in the name of subsidy are the real Economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.
“These people are in costly Agbada and drive in convoys all around the nation occupying the corridors of power and not innocent workers who are not slaves but chose to withdraw their services because of the inhuman treatment meted on them by the Government.”
The NLC also criticized the SGF’s statement regarding the affordability of paying his drivers N100,000 monthly, describing it as a stark reminder of the disparity between government officials and the populace. “Such statements only exacerbate tensions and hinder constructive dialogue.”
Upah suggested that that the SGF’s response may be a clear demonstration that the he pays his personal staff starvation wages.
He said, “We may have to remind him that a 50kg bag of rice is N88,000 which leaves the worker with just N12,000 if he is to pay the paltry sum, he claims that he is unable to pay. Anyway, one wonders what the SGF does with four drivers alone? We would also want to know what work justifies the huge salaries and allowances the he takes home all the time?”
