The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State Chapter, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to do away with all International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank policies to address the myriad of challenges and various hardships the teeming masses are passing through.
This was just as the state chapter of the NLC urged the federal government to revert to fuel subsidies as a measure to alleviate the socio-economic predicament the downtrodden masses are facing.
On Tuesday, the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, while addressing the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the government house, shortly after a peaceful protest march that took off from the Race Course, also called on the Nigerian government to open the land borders.
However, in a letter to be delivered to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu through Kano State Governor Yusuf, the state leader said that some of the demands put forward by the NLC include:
“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 per month.
“A removal of VAT on basic consumer items.
“Direct the purchase and use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services to stimulate local production and save jobs.
“Immediate reduction in the cost of governance in Nigeria at all levels to reflect the nation’s tight fiscal position.
“Halt immediately the implementation of all IMF and World Bank policies in Nigeria. They have not only not worked anywhere but have brought extreme hardship, which imperils our nation’s security and undermines our sovereignty.
“Speedy conclusion of the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Exercise, ensuring that it approximates a living wage.
“Your Excellency, some of the foregoing proposals and recommendations are actually part of previously agreed collective bargaining agreements between organised labour and government at various times.
“We believe that diligent implementation of these proposals in consultation with ‘social partners via the various processes of social dialogue will go a long way in recovering our economy from the precipice and repositioning Nigeria as a productive economy with capabilities for decent job creation, inclusive growth, and the rule of law.
“Mr. President, the current economic hardships facing our nation require bold and decisive action. As the leader of our great country, we urge you to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering,” the NLC leaders stated, among others.
While speaking on behalf of the state governor, the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, promised to deliver their message to the whole president, thanking them for appreciating the fact that the Kano state government is consistent in providing the available welfare to the civil servants of the state.
He commended the NLC for organising a peaceful procession and assured them that the state government would always do all necessary things that would make them feel the impact of the government.
He added that the recent N20,000 wage award approved by the state governor was aimed at cushioning the effect of the fuel subsidy being removed, pending the final approval of a new salary increment.
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