May Day: NANS Hails Nigerian Workers, Seeks Improved Welfare

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Every May 1st, workers across the globe and in Nigeria celebrates “International Labour Day”, a day which has its origin in the historical struggles of workers and trade unions in their efforts to win fair employment standards and establish a culture of human and workers’ rights. This year’s celebration comes at a time when Nigerian workers are battling for survival in the midst of poor remuneration and hyper-inflation among other socio-economic challenges.

For the sake of hindsight, International Workers’ Day is the commemoration of the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, the United States of America. The International Workers’ Day may also be referred to as “May Day”.

In commemoration of this noble day, NANS, a proud partner of the Great Nigeria Project joined other well meaning Nigerians to commend Nigerian workers for their dedication and perseverance even in the face of economic recession. We say thank you and God bless.

We however want to use this opportunity to call for improved welfare package for our workers whom Senate President Bukola Saraki described as “the life blood and driving force of the country’s development”. Considering the harsh economic realities, the current “minimum wage” is “ungodly and unreasonable. Regrettably, school fees goes up everyday without a commensurate increase in workers pay. NANS frowned at this and call for upward review of minimum wage.

NANS want to also use this opportunity to congratulate all workers, labour leaders and most especially, Comr. Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on a successful celebration of May Day. We appeal to the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government to crown the celebration with an increase in minimum wage. This demand is just and righteous.

Furthermore, NANS under the stewardship of President Aruna Kadiri want to reiterates its support to the workers’ struggles. Nigerian workers can count on NANS support anytime, anywhere. We remained as usual your proud partner come rain come sun.

“Every worker of labour is entitle to his/her wage”. Unfortunately, in most states in Nigeria, workers are denied their wages. A state like Nasarawa State for example, since late 2015 have been paying its workers, specifically our teachers and local government workers in percentages. While others like Kogi, Benue, Imo, Bauchi, Kwarra, Yobe, Delta etc according to media reports owed workers backlog of salaries. NANS condemns this in totality and demand immediate stop. Also, as a matter of urgency such state governments should pay their workers and pensioners to the last kobo. It is their money. Give them their money.

Finally, we appeal to the federal government to look into this salaries crisis at the state and local governments levels. First it was bail-out, then followed by Paris club loan refund, yet most states are unable to pay its workers up to date. What happened to the funds? NANS demand accountability. State Governor’s should account for the funds.

“Solidarity forever! Solidarity forever!! Solidarity forever!!! For the Union makes us strong”.

God Bless Nigerian Workers

God Bless Nigerian Students

God Bless The FRN

Akolo Raymond Eggon

SSA on Media To The NANS President

Monday May 01, 2017

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