The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government not to seek solution to the recession from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
It warned against resorting to other external institutions for help, arguing that the solutions to the challenges could be found in this country.
During the National Delegate Conference of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFFWW), its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said for the country to be restored to growth path, the government should design policies that would bring back industries, create jobs, revive electricity and revalue the currency.
He emphasised the need for the government to encourage the growth of the informal sector, resume local production of petroleum products, develop solid minerals and tourism, among others.
โWe do not need any lecturing from the IMF or any external institutions to do this. We have vibrant and experienced experts that can develop policies on these. Indeed, the government should, as a matter of urgency, convene a conference on the economy or assemble an all-inclusive team to develop an economic recovery framework that is people driven and people focused,โ he said.
He argued that the recession was not only a result of corruption but the continued adoption of policies imposed by neo-liberal institutions against the wishes of Nigerians.
Wabba appealed to federal and state governments to save the construction industry from collapse by paying the debts owed contractors.
He said the construction industry was inactive because of the refusal or inability of governments to pay for jobs done and mobilise contractors for new jobs.
โIn view of the considerable harm and pain this has brought upon everybody in the chain, especially workers, I would want to use this opportunity to call on federal and state governments to without further delay, pay their debts to both local and international contractors. I have no doubt this will stimulate the economy in no small measure,โ he said.
Wabba called on members of the union to continue to support the leadership of the union, saying that without their support, the leadership would not be able to contribute effectively to the promotion and defence of workersโ rights as well as the advancement of good governance.
โDo not allow yourselves to be distracted by those who seek to weaken us by attempting to divide our ranks. Be focused and remain committed to the struggle we know! I urge you to continue to remain faithful to the historical tasks that your union is known for by way of actively participating in action/activities that will ensure positive change; people driven governance and national progress,โ Wabba added.
