The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has decried the policies of the Bola Tinubu-led government, saying that they are adversely affecting chemical and non-metallic products in Nigeria.
National President of the association, Segun David, made the remarks at the opening session of the 29th Annual National Management/Industrial Relations Seminar on Tuesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
David said that the association can no longer sleep with two eyes closed due to the distress caused by the unfriendly policies of the government.
He said, “We are here for three days to discuss the urgent need to interrogate ourselves on how the policies of this present government are adversely affecting the welfare of workers and productivity growth in our sector.
“Stakeholders must always be on alert and all hands must be on deck to ensure the sustainability of business within the chemical sector.”
On the national minimum wage, David said the consequential adjustment has also been released by the salaries and wage commission.
He therefore urged all the managements affiliated with the association to implement the same for all the senior staff within their sector without further delay, saying that those already paying higher should sustain the tempo.
On the state of the nation, he said, “Our association views with great concern the unbearable high cost of living in the country.
“Despite our outcry, the government of the day seems unperturbed and is instead reeling out promises that are never fulfilled. The government reforms have proven unhelpful as its body language is out of tune with its intervention.
“During the minimum wage negotiations, the Federal Government promised not to increase the pump price of petrol but reneged and increased the price before the minimum wage implementation.
“The promise of tax relief for food-based imports and companies was met with astronomical increase in market food prices.”
In his remarks, the Registrar of Trade Unions, Amos Falonipe, commended the leadership of this association for its vision and dexterity in organizing the event at this trying moment in our national life.
He said, “I am particularly pleased with the theme of this year’s seminar which is ‘In-Depth Analysis of Interwoven Parameters of Workers, Productivity, Growth and Government Policy in the Chemical Sector.’ The theme is apt and timely, considering the fact that both human resources (workers) and government policy are at the centre of any effort to increase productivity by any organization.
“Thus, to achieve greater productivity in our nation requires setting specific goals and initiatives by policymakers/stakeholders which I believe will be addressed during this seminar.
“I, therefore, implore all stakeholders participating in this seminar to utilize this opportunity to brainstorm and come up with a workable solution/communiqué that will help in improving our productivity and also our condition of service and welfare package.”
