Senate moves to avert planned NLC’s strike
… Says it will cripple Nigeria
Amid the impending nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Senate has issued an urgent plea, requesting that the labour union reconsiders its planned action.
As part of its effort to avoid the industrial action, the red chamber has resolved to meet with the leadership of NLC to shelve the impending strike on the petrol subsidy removal and continue negotiations with the federal government.
Addressing the situation, the Senate on Monday expressed that while the legislative body respects the NLC’s right to protest, it is crucial to weigh this against the potential fallout that could greatly affect citizens’ daily lives and livelihoods.
NLC had last Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse all “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies, which it said include the recent hike in the price of petrol, and the sudden increase in public school fees, among others.
It had also directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers, including civil society allies, for a long-lasting strike and mass protests which is expected to commence on August 2 if the government failed to hearken to the demands of labour.
Sponsoring a motion titled “Urgent need to avert the intending strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, Kawu Suleiman, a Senator on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano, expressed worry that the strike would cripple the country.
He said the action could heat up the polity if allowed to take place, noting that the gains from the strike are far below the costs to either of the parties in the conflict.
The Senator said the planned strike by the NLC could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, and frustration.
He added that more hardship would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The lawmaker said the strike and the mass protests would create a bad reputation for the Nigerian economy and would discourage foreigners from coming to do business or study in the country.
Suleiman also said there would be chances of an increase in crime rate and social vices, like armed robbery, oil bunkering, prostitution, and cyber scams.
Following the support of senators on the motion, the senate resolved to mandate its leadership to interface between the NLC and the Federal Government to avert the intending strike.
