The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) in Kogi State has called on civil societies to collaborate with the union to put an end to bad policies of the government against workers in the country.
The Kogi State NLC Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari made the call recently at a one day retreat on “Building foundation for strong and vibrant labour movement in the state” organised by the union in collaboration with Rajans Global Ventures limited.
While describing workers as the engine room of Nigeria economy, Amari noted that Kogi State Government is being faced with challenges of getting its policies right for economic activities and social development that will address the needs and aspirations of the people.
He opined that the absence of enabling policies that will lead to the growth and development of Kogi State has put pressure on NLC to come up with this retreat for engagement with government with the aim of making recommendations and input for formulations of policies by the government.
“Given the increase in policy failure as a result of economic competition in a global environment, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost, thus worsening the condition of the working class.
“The NLC Kogi State Council has seen the need to defend civil rights, job and living conditions of the people, hence, the reason for NLC to form a coalition with Civil Society Organisations in order to come up with a formidable team that will be action packed”, the NLC leader pointed.
Speaking on issues currently affecting workers in the country, the Kogi NLC Chairman called on the government to urgently look at measures aside from providing palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
While commending workers for participating in the two days warning strike, the labour leader
lamented that some workers in Kogi State deliberately sabotaged the efforts of the union by going to work which was against the directive of the labour leaders.
This, he said, is totally uncalled for and does not speak well for workers who are seeking better welfare from the government to earn a living.
“How do you want the government to know we are suffering when you are doing something contrary to labour directive? Is it not through collective efforts that we achieve our goals. But when we are divided, we won’t achieve any result”, he said.
He, however, lamented that the government recently came out with deceit and are not willing to look at the five point demands of Nigeria’s workers across the federation.
Amari also identified failures from union leaders as some of the reasons why the plight of workers had failed to materialise, just as he admonished them to rise up and defend themselves against perpetual slavery.
Continuing, Amari said, ” The ‘renewed hope’ they promised us is dashed. From a reliable source, their is no work going on in the refinery. We must stand up, work together to achieve our dream in Nigeria. This can only be achieved through synergy.”
Amari told the gathering that workers have lost confidence in political office holders, adding that they should come out plain and tell workers their plans if they are elected to serve in Kogi State.
“It is high time we put aside sentiments. Let those vying for political office swear with Amadioha, Shango or any other traditional means. If they can do this, when they fail to meet the promise they made to the electorate, thunder will strike them immediately. But when we continue with this old system of oath taking, they always believe that even though they fail us, nothing will happen to them.”
In his paper presentation on “Labour movement and the political system of society, imperative for building synergies between the trade unions and Civil Society in Nigeria, ” the CEO of Rajans Global Ventures limited, Comrade Rajan Suleiman said CSOs have through their advocacy engaged the state by articulating the interest of members, moulding public opinions and holding state or those in power to account.
