Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Monday vowed to resist any government policies that tend to inflict hardship on the Nigerian masses.
The duo in the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration at the Eagle Square Abuja, reeled out issues presently meting unbearable living condition to Nigerian working people and the entire citizens at large, saying the two labour centres and civil society organisations in Nigeria have forged a formidable force and are willing to work with the government in the project of a progressive and harmonious country.
In a presentation by NLC and TUC Presidents, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, respectively, the duo harped on the importance of government ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of good governance instead of otherwise.
“It is important that we understand that no society can make progress by excluding its major stakeholders; the workers and masses from having an equitable share of the nation’s resources. If we are serious about increasing productivity and making progress as a nation then, we must seek ways of ensuring that the rights and privileges of workers are not only protected but that they are granted unfettered access to socioeconomic justice.
“We suggest deliberate actions by the government to expand and strengthen the nation’s existing Social Security framework. The Social Investment Programme (SIP) ought to be given legal backing by speeding up the legislative processes towards codifying it in our laws. This will deepen engagement in those areas and provide stronger backing to our quest for socioeconomic justice to all Nigerians.
“We also call on the federal government to begin the process of ratifying conventions 102 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Social protection. This is central to the actualisation of Social justice and inclusiveness. It provides appropriate guarantees for workers rights to survival during and after work life and also guarantees access to decent life for many Nigerians.”
Furthermore, NLC and TUC Presidents, made case for worker’s rights and while it is essential that government fashion it policies on growth of jobs and better living condition for workers and entire Nigerians in general.
“It is important that Nigerian leaders understands that without guaranteeing the rights of workers, without allowing workers to win, Nigerians and Nigeria will not win. We are Nigerians; when we win, our nation wins and makes sustainable progress. It is the duty of government to provide the right environment for this to happen.
“Our nation must lead with a job led growth. When jobs grow, income increases and the economy is revved higher but we need to protect those that work in these jobs. To protect them, we must ensure that the right legal environment is created and frameworks for compliance with laws are established.”
