The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) on Sunday said there
was urgent need to protect the objectives of sustainable enterprise, decent work
and national development.
NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said this in a statement,
in view of the proposed Aug. 2, protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Oyerinde expressed worry over what he described as the parlous state of the
economy, and recent mobilisation for civil action by NLC and Trade Union
Congress of Nigeria.
He, therefore, called for urgent action by government and other stakeholders.
“A call for ‘strike and mass action’ by any social partner at this difficult time, in
furtherance of the achievement of its objectives, could potentially cause a
breakdown of law and order.
“This is also with attendant risk for organised businesses and the nation as a
whole, “ he said.
The director general said that strike, threat of mass action or civil disobedience
that could potentially disrupt the economic activities of businesses would be
counter-productive.
Oyerinde noted that sometimes, engagements between organized labour and
government might end in deadlock.
He said, however, when that happens, the consequential action by labour
should not, in any way, hinder anyone from going about their businesses
peacefully or cause anyone to be intimidated or harassed.
“We re-emphasise the importance of social dialogue, a potent instrument of the
International Labour Organization, and a globally accepted mechanism for
dispute resolution.
“While it should be noted that various ILO Conventions, recommendations,
international treaties and local legislations guarantee certain rights and
privileges to social partners, a call for mass action or civil disobedience is
certainly not one of them, “ he said.
The NECA boss urged government to, as a matter of urgency, take immediate
steps to ameliorate the economic trauma being faced by workers, Nigerians and
organized businesses.
He expressed concerns that many businesses were shut-down and many others
were on the verge of closing down.
According to him, such will exacerbate the current unemployment rate and drag
many further down the poverty line.
“We strongly request that a coordinated implementation of the various pro-
growth and other palliative schemes should commence.
“It should commence without further delay, at the federal level to complement
the efforts of some state governments and organized businesses.
“The need for transparent communication and building of national consensus at
this difficult time cannot be over-emphasised, “ Oyerinde said.
