Outgoing Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has advised the
nation’s workers to be prepared for the harsh economic realities in the
country triggered by the recent fall in the prices of oil at the
international market, stressing that industrial relationship can only be
more cordial, if democracy was nurtured to grow.
He noted that
the current unfavourable economic realities were so glaring that the
workers cannot afford to ignore them in their engagements with
government and as such advised them to be realistic with their demands.
Jonathan
spoke through the Minister of labour, Sen. Joel Danlamilkenya, while
addressing workers during yesterday’s May Day celebrations.
According to him, “It is in this circumstance that the theme of this
year’s Workers’ Day becomes more germane for positive engagement between
government and labour. It is therefore proper to celebrate workers
because of the critical role they play in the society. May Day confers
us the opportunity to reflect on the inherent reality we are being
confronted with due to scarce resources.
“The Nigeria Labour
Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have a duty to play,
charting a way forward for continued development and growth of
Nigeria.’’
The
President further commended both the NLC and the TUC, for their various
contributions towards the sustenance of Nigeria’s development and
democracy, describing them as the gateway to national development.
His
words, “The workers, apart from their immense contributions, have in no
small ways, made contributions towards the achievement of democracy
through the enhancement of the processes and participation. Over these
years, the workers have deepened their voice and government had attended
to them.
“There is a new initiative being championed by the Ministry of Labour
and Productivity aimed at broadening industrial and labour harmony and
trade unionism. This development will no doubt engender the spirit of
patriotism, national consciousness, occasioned by natural justice and
reasoning.
“For us, the labour movement is central to national
productivity and development, and as such have a critical role to play
in chatting a way forward for continued development and productivity and
in settling labour disputes. “I have set a mechanism in place to further deepen government and labour
relations. Let us use this opportunity to make a commitment for
national development and rebirth. Attainment of national vision will not
be possible without the commitment, work and participation of Nigerian
workers. It is a joint effort. I look forward to seeing a strong and
vibrant federation under the new leadership of labour. I urge them to
ensure workers welfare and also, working constructively for the
transformation of Nigeria,” the President admonished.
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