We have not said that we are going on strike, Tinubu just fulfil his promise - NLC
By Wisdom Tide
05/09/2024
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to uphold the commitments made during negotiations concerning the minimum wage, particularly the promise that fuel prices would not be increased. This call was made by Benson Upah, Head of Information at the NLC, who emphasized that while the ₦70,000 minimum wage agreed upon during the discussions was not ideal, it was accepted to prevent a potential spike in fuel prices to ₦2,000 per litre.
“We understood that ₦70,000 was insufficient to meet the needs of the average Nigerian, but we entered into the agreement with the expectation that President Tinubu would honor his pledge not to raise fuel prices,” Upah stated.
During an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, Upah clarified that while the NLC has not announced plans for an industrial strike, the labour union is deliberating on various options. He called on Nigerians to remain patient as the NLC's organs work towards finalizing their decisions.
“Well, we have not declared a strike,” Upah explained. “If you review our statement carefully, you’ll notice we emphasized that the appropriate organs of the Congress will deliberate and make decisions that will be communicated to the public. I ask that you remain patient to see if a strike will be among those decisions.”
He also suggested that, should a strike be considered, it would aim to cause minimal disruption while still being an effective means of drawing attention to critical issues.
“If a strike becomes necessary, it would be the least harmful option, but still impactful. Our strikes are designed to alert the government and steer it in the right direction. When other Nigerians strike, the difference is evident. Think back to the #EndSARS protests or the most recent protests against hunger—those made a clear impact.”
Upah further cautioned the government about the growing frustration among Nigerians, warning that public anger is nearing a breaking point. He stressed that while market-based economic policies are one thing, implementing them without adequate social protections is another.
“What we are warning the government about is the potential fallout from widespread public outrage. Nigerians are reaching their limits, and the government must recognize this reality. It’s one thing to discuss extreme right-wing market policies; it’s another to implement them thoughtfully and comprehensively.”
Upah criticized President Tinubu's approach, describing it as an extreme right-wing market policy without the necessary social safety nets. He pointed out that in countries where such policies are implemented, social protection measures are usually put in place to cushion the impact on vulnerable populations.
“In countries that adopt extreme right-wing market policies like those President Tinubu is pursuing, there are always accompanying measures to mitigate the harsh effects of those policies. These include social protection programs addressing job losses, health insurance, energy subsidies, and other essential services. These policies help manage public resentment, disillusionment, and potential unrest.”
Upah lamented that in Nigeria, citizens are left to fend for themselves with little to no social support from the government. He argued that the administration has neglected its social welfare responsibilities, leaving citizens to bear the full brunt of the economic policies.
“In Nigeria, there is no social safety net. People are left to handle everything themselves, from electricity to security. The government is behaving as though it has no obligation to its citizens. This is a self-deception,” Upah concluded.
The NLC's remarks come amidst rising economic pressures, with the public eagerly awaiting how the government will respond to these concerns.
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