2 -DAY WARNING STRIKE:  NLC Directs Maritime Workers To Shutdown Port Operations , As Lalong Begs

Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)  has directed members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to embark on the proposed two day warning scheduled for Tuesday, 5th September and Wednesday 6th September, 2023.

 

The Maritime Workers Union in a statement e-signed by Kennedy Ikemefuna Head of Media MWUN, a copy made available to DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA,  noted that as an affiliate of the NLC, are obliged to comply with the directive and has consequently instructed all members in all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil & gas platforms nation wide to partake on the  total shut down warning strike as directed by the Comrade Joe Ajaero led labour union.

The statement added that the decision is due to the Federal Government’s refusal to engage and reach agreement with the Organised Labour on  critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol, which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and the generality of the masses.

It stated that”The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, HFCPSP, is in notice of a communique of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) directing all its affiliates to embark on a TWO-DAY nation wide strike of a total shutdown scheduled for Tuesday, 5th September and Wednesday 6th September, 2023.

“This decision is due to the Federal Government’s refusal to engage and reach agreement with the Organised Labour on  critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol, which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian Workers and the generality of the Nigerian citizens.

“The Maritime Workers Union as an affiliate of the NLC, are obliged to comply with the directive and has consequently instructed all our members in all ports, Jetties, terminals, and oil & gas platforms nation wide to partake on the TWO-WAY total shut down warning strike as directed by the NLC.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment Mr Simon Lalong on Monday, expressed sympathy and that of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to Nigerians and in particular the workers over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of Petrol Subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation.

The Minister said the President has assured citizens of the government’s commitment to improving their livelihoods and putting in place measures to ensure that the pains arising from the removal of fuel subsidy are reduced to the barest minimum.

He stated that already, Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government, pointing out that while some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians.

Lalong added that on the long run, the government of President Tinubu will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.

”  Like Mr. President has stated several times, Government is not unaware that the implementation of these vital but difficult policies, come along with a measure of hardship for all of us citizens of this country. However, the Government has to take these decisions now rather than delay them further and put the nation into more difficulties that might be impossible to reverse.

“As we continue in this direction therefore, we must ensure that there is a robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organised labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace which would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made.

” In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to suspend its intended 2-days warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large. Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress gives this Government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.

”  It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr. President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs. Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon. In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically.

” Consequently, I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding. We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.

The Labour Minister reiterated that”  At this point, I need to put on record that as at this moment, I am yet to receive official communication of the NLC communiqué following its National Executive Council Meeting, as required by the law. Like many Nigerians, I and the Hon. Minister of State got the information from media sources. I believe my dear comrades will do the needful by following laid down processes for handling such matters since the cabinet is now in place unlike previously when there was no cabinet on ground.

”  In specific terms, let me take the issues presented by the NLC one after the other. On the issue of subsidy removal, palliative measures are already being handled and implemented, beginning with the State and local governments. You will recall that on the directive of Mr. President, the Federal Government dispatched trucks of rice and other grains to states for immediate distribution to most vulnerable citizens. ”

 

By Roland Ekama