The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to suspend their proposed strike in the interest of the nation.
NANS National President, Mr Pedro Obi,
made the appeal at a news conference in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Recalled that NLC and TUC had on February 8 issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Obi noted that the association shared in the pains Nigerians are experiencing, especially the youth and the student community, over the current hardship.
According to the NANS President, the association was of the strong belief that the planned strike, if embarked on, would further worsen the economic crisis in the country.
He further stated that the labour unions had the right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their points, but appealed for reconsideration of the decision.
He urged them to take into consideration the potential impact on insecurity, economy and more importantly, the academic progress of students across the nation.
“While recognising the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities.
“A strike, though a powerful tool, can lead to civil unrest and further worsen the security and economic situation of the country,” he said.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to intensify the process of implementing the new minimum wage, saying it would go a long way in addressing the plights of the people
