Call off planned strike, civil society groups tell organised labour to embrace dialogue

No fewer than 100 civil society groups have called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to call off its proposed strike scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The groups, under the auspices of Project Nigeria, said it came to this conclusion after several meetings with relevant stakeholders and government officials. 

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Kolawole Akinmosu, the CSOs said it is in the best interest of the nation for the labour to halt plans of industrial action.

While admitting that the grievances of the union are justified, Akinmosu noted that President Bola Tinubu has taken drastic steps to cushion the hardship in the nation. 

He said the President is not relenting in his efforts to provide palliatives to Nigeria, keeping up with his mandate of renewed hope.

Akinmosu also said the appointment of Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong as Minister of Labour and Employment shows the President’s love for Nigerian workers.

Describing Lalong as a friend of the organised labour, he added that the former Plateau State Governor understands the plight of the common man and will go to any length to meet their demands. 

Akinmosu, therefore, urged the NLC to rethink and instead embrace dialogue for the sake of the economy and the country’s survival. 

“The Project Nigeria is a coalition of 100 pro-Nigerian civil society groups. We are non-partisan without religious or ethnic bias. Our interest is the nation,” Akinmosu said.

“After a 12-hour intensive meeting on Saturday, we resolved that it is best for the NLC to suspend its planned strike action for the greater good of the nation. Our position is based on three points.

“First, we believe that dialogue is the best way out of any situation. Industrial actions are rarely deployed around the world these days. The rippling effect on the economy is massive. 

“We all know the current situation in the country. Shutting down the economy completely for two days for any reason whatsoever is not ideal.

“Meanwhile President Tinubu has already made efforts to address the hardship in the country. More interventions are underway. We believe it is best for the NLC to give this administration a chance. 

“Finally, may we also recognize that the appointment of Rt Hon. Lalong could be a major factor in the long run. The minister understands the yearnings and demands of the masses.

“Lalong is a man of the people. He is quickly settling into his new office. We reckon that he will give top attention to the NLC as soon as possible” .