NUCFRLANMPE Seeks Reopening Of Borders – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

 

 The National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has called on President Bola Tinubu to open the borders to allow inflow of food to lessen the effects of hunger.

The National President of NUCFRLANMPE, Comrade Goke Olatunji, in chats with our correspondent, said this became necessary following the rise in prices of food items, which many have attributed partly to the inability of farmers to access their farmland as a result of insecurity.

He appealed to the government to reconsider its hard stance on the policy to curb hunger as reopening the borders is an immediate intervention that can make food available and affordable to the population. He called on the government to re-introduce the Price Control Board. He said this is necessary to checkmate arbitrary hikes in the prices of goods.

Olatunji, noted that about 10 companies have shut down in the last six months, adding that five more are planning to close shop or relocate to neighbouring countries.

His words: “The Federal and state governments should expedite action in ameliorating the pain and suffering of Nigerians before it gets out of hand. This is necessary because the increase in fuel pump price has affected all sectors of the economy. 

“We plead with the government to hasten up and come out with policies to lessen the suffering Nigerians, especially workers are going through because of the removal of subsidy on Petrol. Nigerians are suffering.

“It is time to revive the local refineries, build infrastructure such as road networks and electricity supply as well as develop the iron and steel sector which is key to economic growth.

“Insecurity should be tackled, multiple taxation, rent and charges should be regulated to allow manufacturing companies survive and promote Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria

“The government should allow manufacturers direct access to forex and also tackle high rates of dollar to naira.

Also, the hike in the electricity tariff is another terrible decision that is killing most of our companies. Some of these companies now pay millions of naira to the light that they don’t have. The situation is so bad.’’

Olatunji, noted that economic issues were affecting industrial relations, saying: “One of the effects is job losses arising from factory closure and redundancy. Some managements have devised strange practices such as outsourcing and contract staffing which are odd to normal employment practices.’’