Follow Us on Google
- Warns MDAs against misinforming govt
By Henry Uche, Lagos
The leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State Council has called for cautious, well-articulated and realistic economic policies across the three tires of government and warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to desist from misinforming the government in power for whatsoever reason.
In a statement signed and by the State Chairman, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo and the State Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, the council expressed optimism for the year 2024.
The Council believed the 2023 elections was overshadowed by violence, electoral malpractices, and inconsistencies which eroded trust in INEC, and led to post election legal tussles and left some disappointed and discouraged, however called on all stakeholders to support the present administration in its quest to deliver the renewed hope mandate to the people.
They said, “We are strongly optimistic that N2.23trn Lagos state budget would positively impact the lives of Lagosians particularly in the area of transportation, health, education, housing, security and environment. We charged Governor Sanwo Olu and the State House of Assembly to ensure all project budgeted for and funds released are completed within the estimate proposed timeframe.
“We look forward to a better and friendly government policies particular on the issue of a new Minimum Wage and better working conditions. All we need is a higher wage and government to address all issues eroding the value of our money such as the high cost of transportation, health, education, power supply etc. If we have all these things in place, productivity will be enhanced”
They added that all agencies of government must measure up to their responsibilities and warned that agencies that are in the habit of misinforming government on policy decisions just to remain in the good book of the leadership must desist forthwith because such advice has led to series of litigations which had brought unnecessary embarrassment to the statement government.
“Leaders of MDAs should not see themselves as demigods but should rather consult widely on policy formulation and implementation. We are optimistic that work will commence towards the building of the permanent Secretariat of the State Council, workers will have reasons to smile soon because the Agric cooperative Society of the Union will commence full operations in 2024” they assured.
More so they stressed “2023 witnessed a substantial brain drain, as young professionals sought better opportunities abroad as several multinational companies also have exited the country. Thus, government must embark on sound policies and ensure those barriers militating against the business environment are positively reviewed so as to encourage foreign direct investment. These will help create jobs and equally help to stop the “Japa” syndrome that continues to deprive us of the services of some of our very best” they urged.
The lamented that while Nigerians are struggling financially, the political class indulged in extravagant spending, exemplified by Senators acquiring 160 million naira worth vehicles. They called on the political class to show leadership in cutting cost at time like this while setting out a clear plan of moving Nigeria out of the current economic woes, with set time line that all can relate to, support and monitor, saying “Leadership by example is all we need at this moment”
On the proposed Wage Award of 35,000 naira, they berated all LG chairmen in Lagos State for putting their self interest over and above that of workers. “It’s strange and unfortunate to hear that LG Chairmen claimed they could only pay N20,000 to their workers.
“They must know that it has become hell for workers to come to work since the subsidy on fuel was removed. The Chairmen may be immune against the present suffering Nigerians are going through since they enjoy in their comfort zone all kinds of benefits and humongous allowances.
“The wage award fell short amidst economic realities. Everybody goes to the same market. We call on all the LG and LCDA Chairmen to rethink their decision in the interest of industrial peace and harmony,” they added.
