The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the impact of current government policies on Nigeria’s chemical and non-metallic industries.
At the 29th Annual National Management/Industrial Relations Seminar held in Asaba, Delta State, the association’s National President, Mr. Segun David, highlighted the adverse effects of the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s policies on workers’ welfare and industry growth.
Addressing attendees, David stated that the association can no longer “sleep with two eyes closed” as the government’s policies have intensified hardships within the sector. He stressed the importance of gathering to address these pressing issues, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work collaboratively to sustain businesses and protect workers’ interests in the chemical sector.
David also emphasized the need for immediate implementation of the recent national minimum wage adjustment, as approved by the salaries and wages commission. He appealed to management within the industry to apply the adjustments without delay, urging firms already providing higher wages to maintain their current standards to ensure fair treatment of senior staff across the sector.
Criticizing the government’s handling of economic issues, David pointed to the rising cost of living, which he said has become “unbearable” for many Nigerians. He noted that promises of relief, including stabilized fuel prices and tax reliefs for food-based imports, have yet to materialize, while instead, market prices have skyrocketed. David argued that the government’s actions have eroded public trust, with policies appearing out of sync with the needs of citizens.
Speaking on the theme, “In-Depth Analysis of Interwoven Parameters of Workers, Productivity, Growth and Government Policy in the Chemical Sector,” Registrar of Trade Unions, Amos Falonipe, praised the association’s leadership for its resilience in organizing the seminar amid challenging times. He emphasized the need for policy-driven goals aimed at fostering productivity and supporting the workforce in critical sectors like the chemical industry.
Falonipe called on seminar participants to make the most of the discussions, urging stakeholders to develop actionable solutions that would advance productivity and improve working conditions. He expressed hope that the seminar would produce a communiqué addressing the critical issues affecting the sector, ensuring that both productivity and workers’ welfare are prioritized.