Reconsider Planned Strike Action: Reps Abbas appeals to NLC
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has made an appeal to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider their planned strike action.
In his welcome remarks on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary, Abbas assured the house’s commitment to engage and support the Executive in resolving the current economic hardship in the country.
Abbas emphasized that going on strike would only worsen the situation for all Nigerians and urged the union to take into account the ongoing efforts to improve the economy.
The NLC had demanded a sustainable minimum wage and relief measures for citizens following the removal of fuel subsidy and the resulting economic hardships. Their 21-day ultimatum was set to expire at midnight on Tuesday, after which an indefinite strike would commence.
“As the representatives of the people, we understand and share the pains of our citizens during these difficult times,” Abbas expressed.
“However, I appeal to the NLC to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardships faced by Nigerians.”
He continued, “As promised earlier, this house remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers.
“The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organised labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage.
READ ALSO: NLC, TUC set to embark on nationwide indefinite strike
“Also other palliatives to enable citizens cope with the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the downward fall of the naira to the dollar, skyrocketing cost of food and general high cost of living in the country.
“It is in our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation.
“I therefore urge the leadership of Labour Unions to give us the benefit of doubt and suspend any planned strike action while we engage the executive”.
Furthermore, the speaker encouraged lawmakers to seize the opportunities presented to them by their offices and work towards turning the tide of the nation’s woes.
He mentioned President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic and economic breakthrough with the United Arab Emirates, which would see the resumption of visa issuance to Nigerians and the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.
Additionally, Tinubu had achieved significant economic agreements during the recently concluded 78th General Assembly of the United Nations.
“In the coming days, the Executive arm of government is expected to present a 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill as well as the 2024 Appropriation Bill to this Honourable House.
“It is expected that the time to consider these bills will be short, but we must roll-up our sleeves and get to work immediately and ensure the speedy consideration that will encapsulate the yearnings of the people.
“We have to put in extra work hours to ensure that the budget is passed in good time to enable its implementation from the first day of 2024.
“Our nation and indeed this 10th House of the People does not have the luxury of time in the face of profound national challenges.
“We must therefore do everything within our powers to champion causes towards addressing the yearnings of our people,” he said.
Finally, the speaker directed all ad hoc Committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports by October 3, as they would cease to exist after the ultimatum.
Any committee that fails to complete its task by that date will have its responsibilities transferred to the relevant Standing Committees.
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