The Nationwide Government Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Authorities to vacate the union’s secretariat in Benin and return all confiscated properties.
The ultimatum, set to run out on January 8, 2025, was introduced in an announcement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Common Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja after the NEC assembly held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The NLC accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State Police of orchestrating an invasion of its state secretariat, describing the act as an try to impose illegitimate management on employees.
“The brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the illegal elimination of things, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate management on the employees,” the NLC stated.
The union warned that failure to adjust to its calls for would compel the Congress to provoke “unprecedented measures” to defend employees’ and commerce union rights.
The NEC assembly additionally deliberated on the worsening socio-economic situations plaguing Nigerian employees and the final populace, which it attributed to authorities insurance policies.
The NLC highlighted issues over money shortage, describing it as an exploitative burden on struggling residents.
“Nigerians are being pressured to forfeit 5% of their funds every time they entry money, an unacceptable scenario that exacerbates the financial woes confronted by thousands and thousands,” the assertion learn.
The union urged the Central Financial institution of Nigeria to make sure enough money availability to allow small companies and casual sector transactions, that are essential to financial development.
The NLC known as for the suspension of the Tax Invoice at present earlier than the Nationwide Meeting, citing the exclusion of organized labour from its formulation as “unacceptable and undermining the ideas of tax justice.”
“A good and equitable tax system should prioritize fiscal self-discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in using tax funds to ship tangible advantages to the citizenry,” the union emphasised.
The Congress warned in opposition to politicizing the Tax Invoice, including, “If labour shouldn’t be on the desk, it’s successfully on the menu.”
The union additionally raised alarm over escalating insecurity, referencing studies that Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom this 12 months alone throughout 51.8 million recorded crime incidents.
“614,937 Nigerians misplaced their lives whereas 2,235,954 others have been kidnapped inside one 12 months. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the pressing want for the federal government to take decisive motion to safeguard lives and property,” the NLC stated.
As a part of its efforts to alleviate transportation prices, the NLC launched its Compressed Pure Fuel (CNG) Bus Companies within the Southeast area through the NEC assembly.
The NLC concluded by urging the federal authorities to prioritize employees’ welfare, safety, and financial stability, stressing the necessity for inclusive dialogue to rebuild belief and ship significant reforms.