The National Economic Council (NEC) has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech will focus on addressing the concerns and grievances of the organised labour. This development comes amid the Nigerian Labour Congress’s plan to commence a nationwide indefinite strike on October 3.
NEC Appeals for Patience and Dialogue
Following the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, spoke to State House correspondents and appealed for more time to enable the federal government to effectively address the concerns raised by the organised labour.
“Council has taken note of the notice issued by the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress for an indefinite strike commencing on October 3, 2023,” Governor Mutfwang stated. “We understand the implications of this strike on the economy and the nation as a whole. Therefore, we urge members of organised labour to continue engaging with the leadership of their respective states. We also appeal to them to reconsider their decision and give the federal government a chance to address their concerns.”
NEC Concerned and Hopeful
The NEC expressed genuine concern for the current situation in the country and acknowledged the valid concerns raised by the labour unions. Governor Mutfwang expressed hope that President Tinubu’s Independence Day speech on October 1 will adequately address these concerns.
“NEC is appealing for patience and understanding as we work towards addressing the concerns of the organised labour,” Mutfwang explained. “We believe that President Tinubu’s forthcoming speech will appropriately address some of these concerns. It is our hope that this will foster a resolution to the current challenges facing the nation.”
Decentralising Dialogue
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of decentralizing the dialogue between the federal government and the organised labour to the state level. He highlighted that each state may have its own peculiarities to address regarding the labour unions’ demands.
“Labour is represented in all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” he noted. “Therefore, the NEC urges ongoing discussions at the state level to allow for the consideration of these peculiarities. Dialogue remains the most effective path forward in resolving these issues.”
Urging Calm and Patience
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the critical state of the nation and stressed the need for calm and patience. He cited instances where worker strikes had just been resolved in some states upon the assumption of new administrations on May 29. He warned that immediate strikes would further harm the economy.
“While the NEC expresses genuine concern for the current situation, we strongly appeal for calm and patience,” Mutfwang said. “We believe that leaders across the nation are committed to addressing the concerns of both organised labour and the general populace, and are determined to move the country forward.”
