The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has score President Muhammadu Buhari government low on job creation, asking “where are the massive jobs promised the people?” It also urged the federal government to implement the N52,000 new minimum wage and tackle unemployment affecting young Nigerians in 2017.
The congress in a new year message by its president, Ayuba Wabba also charged President Muhammadu Buhari to deal with the challenge of the power sector through “either reversal of the privatization of the sector or ensuring that those who run the sector provide electricity on regular basis and at rates consumer can afford”.
The NLC leader said with states earning more revenue from sales of crude oil, and more money as a result of the massive devaluation of the naira, labour will continue its campaign to ensure that the incidence of non-payment of salaries as at when due, is no longer a feature of our national life.
Despite the payment of monthly stipends to selected beneficiaries, Wabba lamented that Nigerians were yet to see the massive job creation promised by the APC led government.
“How many jobs has the federal government and the 23 states controlled by the ruling party created in the course of the last 20 or so months, in furtherance of its pledge to Nigerians during the electioneering campaign?” he queried.
He recalled that NLC had during the past May Day and new year messages, as well as other policy pronouncements, made it known that it had some ideas on how, Nigeria can create new and sustainable jobs.
He said, “Unfortunately, no one in government has thought it necessary to give us a hearing on what these ideas are, and what they entail. Presently, we are not even sure which ministry or agency of the government is the focal point on job creation.”
Wabba said that the NLC will in 2017 redouble its efforts, using all available means at their disposal to get the federal government to constitute the tripartite panel to renegotiate a new minimum wage, which must be a living wage.
