Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, the Director-General of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), expressed his view that the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would be counter-productive if it proceeds.
This statement comes in response to NLC President Joe Ajaero’s call for a two-day warning strike earlier this month, which saw varying levels of compliance.
Ajaero issued a warning, stating that unless the government reversed the petrol pump price to its pre-May 29 level, among other demands, there would be a complete economic shutdown within 14 days.
The Director-General of NECA expressed concern that the proposed strike would adversely affect both employers and employees. He acknowledged that the government had taken initial measures to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal but emphasized that further actions were necessary.
“The approval of N5billion to each State is a step,” he said, adding that if the money is well spent it will improve the economy in the states.
“We are also aware that the government is sharing rice. But, these efforts are not enough.
“There is an opportunity to renegotiate the terms that have been agreed upon, if you don’t have the capacity to implement.
“We are calling on the government to do all that is necessary to avoid the strike.
“But if the strike should happen, it will be counter-productive for both employers and the workers.”
