Lagos, Aug. 1, 2023: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State Council says it will conform to the directive of its national body in joining the nationwide protest scheduled for Aug. 2.
The state Chairman, Mrs Funmi Sessi, made this known at the union’s congress held on Monday in Lagos.
Sessi, however, called on the Federal Government to urgently dialogue and come up with a meaningful resolution.
“Last week, there were many activities that came up at the national body.
“The different organs of NLC at the top, the National Administrtaive Council; Central Working Committee and National Executive Council at different stages and meetings, all took a joint decision to proceed on the nationwide protest which will commence on Aug. 2.
“This is bearing any last minute resolution between labour and Federal Government, but as at now, we have not seen any resolution.
“However, we are still committed to our national body’s instruction and agreement; it is a joint effort and in Lagos State, our own will not be a difference.
“We want the government to be proactive and sensitive; Nigerians are hungry and angry; times are hard; things are very difficult and everybody is feeling the pain,” she said.
The chairman also called on the state Governor, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu, to roll out palliatives for the workers to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
She said, “We want the government to come out, as urgent as possible, to make a pronouncement.
“We are asking the governor to do N50,000 a month, at least, to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal so that we can be able to transmit ourselves from our destinations to our working places.
“Also, eat and concentrate; our emotions, psychological and physical well-being should be well taken care of.
“Lagos is the centre of excellence; Sanwo-Olu is going to lead by a very good example.”
Also, the National Deputy General Secretary, NLC, Mr Ismaila Bello, urged government to quickly embrace the process of dialogue.
Bello also called on government to ensure that all the templates regarding succour for the very bottom people; review of wages; mass transportation; and provision of Compressed Natural Gas were quickly sorted and worked out.
“As organised labour, we have the primary duty, through bargaining and dialogue to protect the rights of workers at work and interest.
“This responsibility, the leadership of the congress has taken very seriously.
“It is very important that we further put pressure on government to realise and understand the pains that Nigerian people are going through.
“Therefore, we agree that on Aug. 2 across the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, there shall be a nationwide protest.
“It is going to be a peaceful one, but we are going to articulate all the challenges confronting workers and the need for government to address them precisely.
“That is why this protest is being organised, we have made all arrangements, we will work with all our civil society partners and every other concerned Nigerians,” Bello said.
