CurrentReport Blog In a pivotal appeal, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called upon the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their planned strike action. The Sultan emphasized the potential hardships that a strike could impose on the nation, urging labour leaders to engage in continuous negotiation with the government.
In a statement signed by the Sultan, he expressed concern over the adverse effects that a strike would have on the very citizens that the labour unions aim to protect. “The Labour leaders should consider the overbearing effects of the strike action they plan to embark upon on the wellbeing of the same Nigerians, whose interests they are fighting to protect, and therefore shelve the industrial action,” Abubakar stated.
The Sultan highlighted the critical need for dialogue, urging both the labour unions and the government to listen to each other and find a mutually beneficial solution. “We appeal to Labour not to take the nation through another leg of hardship because that exactly is what will happen if they make good their plan to go on this strike. They should try to listen to the government while the government should listen to them and both parties should arrive at a conclusion that will be beneficial to all Nigerians, with the working class inclusive,” he added.
This call for negotiation comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various economic challenges. The Sultan’s plea underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to navigate these difficult times without exacerbating the existing struggles faced by Nigerians.
The NLC and TUC have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with certain government policies and have been preparing for industrial action as a means of pressing their demands. However, the Sultan’s intervention seeks to avert a strike that could deepen the economic woes of the country.
As the organized labour considers its next steps, the Sultan’s message serves as a reminder of the broader implications of their actions. The hope is that through constructive dialogue, a resolution can be reached that addresses the concerns of the labour unions while safeguarding the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
