As Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on protests to press home their demands to governments on measures to cushion effects of subsidy removal and enhance welfare for workers, Kano state NLC chair, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa has heaped praises on the Kano State governor for prioritizing workers welfare.
“We have representations in the government. we have people who have us in mind from the office of the head of civil service to the state executive council we are proud of you. We know you can do it. We know you can pay us.
“Your excellency, we know you have the will power to the needful and we can attest to that by reinstating the 12000 people that were employed in the previous administration. No labour leader will meet with the govt without acknowledging that magnanimous gesture. It was never done in the history of Nigeria where the number will exceed (sic) up to that,” Inuwa said when he was addressing protesters at Kano Government House.
However, some people who participated at the protest told WikkiTimes that they found many parts of NLC chairman’s comments unpalatable.
“I think this is not the best way to stage a protest or deliver your message when we’re all going through hell in this country. If the essence is to appreciate government, there is no need for the protest and the procession under this hot sun,” a protester who identified as Sani Ali told WikkiTimes.
However, Comrade Inuwa, criticized the federal government for yielding to the Bretton Woods Institutions of World Bank and IMF polices which make life difficult for Nigerian workers and the masses through removal of fuel subsidy.
“Many people are being recruited into crimes in Nigeria because of hardship. Let the government allow masses to breathe and have the chance to send their children to school.
“We have seen a black dawn instead of new dawn. Removal of subsidy has made life miserable for Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
He further accused the federal government for reneging on the agreement reached between organized labour and the fg eaeleir in October 2023.
He said “ We reject the way and manner the workers are treated in Nigeria”
In their written address submitted to Gov. Yusuf through his SSG, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi, the Kano NLC submits appealed to the President to also give tax breaks to small and medium businesses as well as civil servants earning below 500,000 a month.
“Direct all-state Governments to immediately pay all owed wages, Wage Awards, allowances, Gratuities and Pensions.
“We suggest a reopening of the land borders to allow food, Cement and other essentials to come in.
“We propose an immediate removal of the collection of levies, fees. dues and tolls from petty traders across the nation by Local and State Governments.
” An immediate purchase and deployment of CNG/Electric buses across all the states of the federation to be managed by stakeholders.
“An Immediate deployment of large numbers of CNG conversion kits to all states of the federation to grant the citizenry easier access to the conversion of their vehicles from PMS to CNG
“Reversal and suspension of further increases in school fees across the nation.
“A drastic reduction and removal of import duties paid on essential drugs and medical consumables to relieve the current hardship being witnessed by the sick.
“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/Month.
Speaking on behalf of Kano State Government, the state head of service, Alh. Musa Abdullahi commened NLC for peaceful and matured protest in the state.
“The NLC chair made a speech full of praises to his excellency, the peoples governor for having workers at heart. Thank you for conducting the protest in the most peaceful and patrotiic manner, Alh Abdullahi said.
He reteirated that the state government would doing everything to ensure welfare of workers and will forward issues that need federal government attention.
“We have received your letter and heard the content of the letter, and we will deliver the letter to mr president. On the issue of wage award, as you have mentioned we have met and agreed, plans are under away to achieve that. I appreciate you for coming peacefully and we will attend to the request that are within our ourview and those above us will be pass to the right authority to attend to.”
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