NLC, TUC to Buhari: Nigerian economy on verge of total collapse

ORGANISED Labour has called on the Federal Government to do something urgently to stop the Nigerian economy from total collapse as almost all productive activities have been grounded by the prevailing harsh socio-economic situations in the country, especially the twin crises of power and fuel. Both the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart, raised the alarm over ongoing massive retrenchment of workers in every sector of the economy due to unfavourable business environment among others.


In a statement yesterday in Lagos, TUC through its President and Acting Secretary General, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Simeso Amachree said: “We are saddled with the responsibility of functioning as change agents and watchdogs of both government and private business, and ensuring better welfare for workers. Of late, our desk has been inundated with industrial issues, redundancy complaints, anti-labour practices, casualisation of workers, mass sack of workers, etc.

All these are caused because of unfriendly business environment. For instance, the food and beverage sector alone in the last few months lost over 500 employees. Speaking at the opening session of the Central Working Committee, the factional President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, though commended efforts of government towards repositioning the economy, expressed worry that Nigerians were passing through serious pains. According to him, “Government must consult more widely and come up with an enduring solution.

In spite of its effort so far, there is no credible economic team with a policy capable of responding to the present challenges. Labour is serious enough a component of this polity to be considered to be part of this team when government constitutes one. Similarly, in a communiqué at the end of its CWC meeting in Lagos, Joe Ajaero-led faction of NLC said: “Electricity has become an essential commodity, public utilities, staple food items have been priced completely out of reach of the ordinary people, Petroleum products have vanished. Nigeria is indeed at crossroads today and the extent of suffering is such that this nation has not witnessed in its history.”