- By Femi Alabi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State Chapter has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the purchase and use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services to stimulate local production and save jobs.
The Congress also urges the Federal Government to revert to fuel subsidies as a measure that will alleviate the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
NLC State Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, while addressing the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the government house, shortly after a peaceful protest march that took off from the Race Course, also asked that government should re-open the land borders.
Inuwa thereafter delivered a letter to the Governor for onward transmission to President Tinubu, saying that they have therein some of the demands that includes;
“An immediate tax holiday to all workers earning from N100,000 per month and below, including a reduction in PAYE for all workers earning below N500,000 per month.
“A removal of VAT on basic consumer items.
“Immediate reduction in the cost of governance in Nigeria at all levels to reflect the nation’s tight fiscal position.
“Halt immediately the implementation of all IMF and World Bank policies in Nigeria. They have not only not worked anywhere but have brought extreme hardship, which imperils our nation’s security and undermines our sovereignty.
“Speedy conclusion of the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Exercise, ensuring that it approximates a living wage.
“Your Excellency, some of the foregoing proposals and recommendations are actually part of previously agreed collective bargaining agreements between organised labour and government at various times.
“We believe that diligent implementation of these proposals in consultation with ‘social partners via the various processes of social dialogue will go a long way in recovering our economy from the precipice and repositioning Nigeria as a productive economy with capabilities for decent job creation, inclusive growth, and the rule of law.
“Mr. President, the current economic hardships facing our nation require bold and decisive action. As the leader of our great country, we urge you to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering,” the NLC leaders stated, among others.
The Governor represented by the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa commended the NLC for organising a peaceful procession and assured them that the state government would always do all necessary things that would make them feel the impact of the government.