MAN warns as NLC meets Tuesday over planned nationwide strike

MAN warns as NLC meets Tuesday over planned nationwide strike 

There are fears that the economy may be grounded next week as leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) meets on Tuesday to take a decision on the planned nationwide indefinite strike.

President of the NLC Joe Ajaero confirmed the Tuesday’s meeting in a chat with The Nation on Friday.

But the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has warned that a nationwide strike now will lead to further hardship.

The planned indefinite strike follows the expiration of the NLC’s ultimatum given to the Federal Government to meet its demands.

The demands include provision of palliatives to cushion the harsh effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The NLC had embarked on a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6 on the matter.

NLC’s Head of Department for Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, in a statement on Friday, said that the government had not met any of the union’s demands and that the strike “can begin any moment from now”.

He also warned that the strike would be strictly enforced, unlike the two-day warning strike where compliance was not strictly followed.

“Do you know of any good general who put out his plans in the public before he strikes? We are fully ready to strike,” Upah said.

The NLC also urged the youths to join in the action, stressing that the country is for them, and they should stand up and take it back.

Meanwhile members of the business community has warned that any strike at this time does not augur well for the frigile economy.

Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said Friday night that a national strike now would complicate the present economic situation.

“A strike at this time is going to set back the process and may lead to further hardship for the people and the economy.”