By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, has called on the Federal Government to tackle the challenges that hinder Nigeria’s productivity.
Arogundade spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
He reacted to the nationwide protest by the organised labour.
NAN reports that Nigeria Labour Union and Trade Union Congress on Wednesday began a nationwide protest over increase in petrol price, devaluation of the Naira and increase in fees by schools owned by the Federal Government, among others.
According to Arogundade, energy is very important for sustenance of an economy.
“Government should look at solving energy problems.
“Looking at the sufferings of Nigerians, the protest is justified and legitimate.
“Moreover, we are in a democracy; so, people should be allowed to express themselves,’’ he said.
He urged law enforcement agencies, especially the police, to provide adequate security and ensure that the protest would not be taken over by hoodlums.
Arogundade advised that the Federal Government should give room for proper negotiations with labour unions.
He advised labour leaders to be transparent in their talks with the Federal Government.
“Are they for or against the regulations? What are the solutions they are offering?
“They need to be understood and their position needs to be clear.
“The labour leadership should be articulate in its position in a document such that the people can understand the logic of their argument.
“They need a document that Nigerians can relate with, which can be the basis for negotiations with government and engagement with every other interest group in the country,” he said.
On fuel subsidy, the executive director advised President Bola Tinuba to penalise those who scammed the country through it.
He said, “Those who were allegedly scamming the country by collecting subsidy and not supplying fuel should be brought to justice.” NAN
