Organized Private Sector Urges FG, Labour To Prevent Breakdown Of Business Activities

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has called on the Federal Government and labour unions to work hard to avert the looming disruption of socio-economic activities in the country.

Expressing deep concern and anxiety, the group said economic indicators are not good and that the economy cannot afford a nationwide strike.

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The OPSN consists of five business membership organisations, including, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

In a press release made available to The Guardian, MAN chairperson, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said they have keenly watched the back-and-forth consultations between the government and the National Labour Congress (NLC) as well as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and that it is evident that the series of consultations have not yielded positive results.

“We are worried that adequate consideration is not given to the dire situation of the economy and the devastating impact that a nationwide strike will have on the country at this time. Both parties need to understand that our economy is being de-marketed and the livelihood of the average Nigerian is being diminished by this incessant bickering. One is beginning to wonder if the well-being of more than 200 million Nigerians is being factored into their negotiations,” he said.

He added that while the body recognises the right of the unions to pursue the welfare of its members, it is pleading with the government to re-engage the leadership of the unions and find an amicable ground to avert the imminent disruption to business activities.

He said adequate consideration should be given to the poor state of the economy and the possible unintended consequences of any social unrest that may result from the protests.

“While appreciating the deep concern of our members about the imminent strike, we urge them to be circumspect in their business operations, as we continue to intervene in last-minute attempts to avert the strike. Adequate measures should be taken to protect company assets and contingency plans be made to keep businesses afloat,” he said.

He added that it is important to work out how labour unions and the government can resolve their issues without jeopardising the livelihood of Nigerians and truncating business activities.

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“There should be some innovation around how the conversation between the government and labour will not always end up in holding the economy hostage. Government should demonstrate good faith in keeping to its promises during the negotiations with labour and abstain from making promises they cannot or do not intend to keep.

On the other hand, labour should do a realistic assessment of its demands, within the context of prevailing economic realities and possibilities, while going the extra mile to indicate how its demands could be met,” he stated.

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