The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a plea to the ,(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), urging them to suspend their planned strike for the betterment of the nation.
Pedro Obi, the President of NANS, conveyed the appeal during a press conference held in Abeokuta on Saturday.
The call comes after the NLC and TUC issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government on February 8, citing the failure to implement agreements reached on October 2, particularly concerning the removal of fuel subsidy.
Mr. Obi acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly the youth and students, amidst the prevailing hardships. He expressed concerns that the proposed strike could exacerbate the economic crisis gripping the country.
While recognizing the right of labour unions to demand better conditions and resort to strikes, Mr. Obi urged them to reconsider their decision, highlighting the potential negative impacts on national security, the economy, and the academic pursuits of students nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and negotiation as alternatives to strikes, emphasizing that such actions could lead to civil unrest and worsen the country’s security and economic situation.
The NANS president urged the government to expedite the implementation of the new minimum wage to alleviate the suffering of the populace.
The appeal underscores the need for a balanced approach to addressing labor-related concerns while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders in the nation’s development.
Source: [News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)]