The Trade Union Congress(TUC) has predicted that there will be tougher economic situations for Nigerians in 2016.
TUC also envisages that the new year would see more industrial struggles and wranglings,in view of the social,political and economic decisions that characterized the out-gone year,2015.
The union particularly outlined the recent threats by some state governors that the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage may no longer be feasible,including devaluation of the naira,slump in prices of crude oil at the international market and associated problems in the Nigerian oil industry as some factors that may set the tune for more difficulties in 2016.
President of TUC, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, in a new year message to Nigerians, said workers should brace up for more sufferings,as the government of the day have not shown enough commitment to addressing the existing challenges of the economy.
He suggested that the persistent crisis in the oil sector could be resolved, if government initiated the construction of new refineries and sustain production for existing ones.
“Fraternal greetings from Trade Union Congress to all the toiling masses of Nigeria and welcome to the year 2016.
“Truly we envision a tougher 2016, in the area of agitations against employers who sack workers without engaging the umbrella unions to negotiate their entitlement; against employers who refuse unionization; against employers who bring in expatriate for jobs Nigerians can handle efficiently and effectively; against those who illegally recruit in the public services and all forms of nepotism, against corruption in high places.
“170 million people struggle for mere 4,000 Megawatts of power with incessant increases in tariff. We had thought that privatization was a solution to the challenges in the power sector . Same with our oil . It is bad enough that we are the sixth oil producing country in the world, yet almost on yearly basis we face serious crisis in the sector.
“It is unfortunate! But we believe that the problem of the sector will continue unless the existing refineries are made to work and new ones built. Government should also step up the fight against oil theft no matter the people involved.
“Today the naira is near worthless. Companies are winding up and unemployment is on the increase.
“Minimum wage review is due this year, and every labourer shall be entitled to his wages, fair ones at that. We find it laughable that some leaders are canvassing for reduction in minimum wages. We are ready for them. Though we desire a peaceful industrial atmosphere in 2016, the organized labour alone cannot work it out. Everyone has a contribution to make,”Kiagama said in his new year message.
TUC however gave thumb ups to President Muhammadu Buhari for daring to expose some Nigerians who are alleged to have mismanaged the common resources,saying efforts to recover some of the looted funds by the administration was worthy of commendation.
He said,”truly the present administration had enormous good will and started on a good note. We commend the administration for the recent revelations on how our patrimony was shared by some unpatriotic Nigerians exposing our citizens to Hobbesian state of nature.
“It is indeed regrettable that those charged with security pushed our citizens to early deaths by their greed and avarice. Congress supports the recovery of all loots and demand a just recompense for culprits.
“While we wish all Nigerians a wonderful 2016, Congress also charges them to be battle-ready against greedy, ruthless, insensitive and cruel politicians”.
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