The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has lodged a formal protest with President Bola Tinubu regarding its exclusion from statutory boards under suspicious circumstances.
According to a reliable source, the Congress, dissatisfied with being removed from these boards without clear justification, has urged President Tinubu to intervene and reverse these decisions.
Furthermore, the source revealed that when the NLC was not included in certain boards, those boards remained inactive.
The source highlighted a recent incident where the NLC was abruptly removed from the Nigeria Educational Loans Fund (NELFUND) board after its representative attended meetings and asked pertinent questions. The amendment to the Act that swiftly de-listed the NLC from the board was passed in the National Assembly within an unusually short timeframe of two days.
Similarly, despite assurances that the NLC would be included in the Tax Board after protests were raised about its exclusion, this has yet to materialize. The NLC emphasized that workers constitute a significant portion of taxpayers, yet their representation is being disregarded.
While there are other instances of exclusion, the NLC refrained from detailing them at this time. Notably, the Congress has institutional representation on boards such as PenCom, NISTF, NDE, and the National Productivity Centre, which have yet to be inaugurated without any explanation provided. The NLC suspects that their outspokenness and critical stance may be the reason for these exclusions.
Expressing concern over this exclusionary trend, the source emphasized that it hinders Congress from effectively serving its members. Additionally, the NLC is troubled by the lack of transparency in these decisions, especially at a time when global governments and institutions are moving towards greater openness.
The source concluded by urging President Tinubu to promptly ensure the inauguration of boards where the NLC holds statutory representation without further delay.
The NLC’s plea to President Tinubu reflects a broader concern within the labor union regarding its exclusion from crucial decision-making bodies. The issue at hand not only affects the NLC’s ability to advocate for its members effectively but also raises questions about transparency and accountability in governance.
The NLC’s experience with sudden removals from boards like NELFUND and delays in appointments to others like the Tax Board underscores a troubling pattern of disregard for the union’s representation. This pattern not only undermines the NLC’s role in safeguarding workers’ interests but also signals a lack of respect for the contributions and perspectives that labor unions bring to the table.
Moreover, the NLC’s suspicion that its outspokenness and critical stance are the reasons behind these exclusions highlights a larger challenge of stifling dissent and diversity of opinion in decision-making processes. By sidelining the NLC, authorities risk alienating a vital stakeholder whose insights and advocacy are essential for promoting fair labor practices and social justice.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for President Tinubu to address the NLC’s grievances promptly and ensure that the union’s rightful representation on statutory boards is restored without further delay. Failure to do so not only undermines the principles of inclusivity and democratic participation but also erodes trust in the government’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and welfare.
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