Seek dialogue, common understanding in labor concerns — Abdulrazaq tasks NLC

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara called on the labor unions in Nigeria on Monday to always explore dialogue and mutual understanding when pressing home their demands from governments.

The governor made the call in Ilorin at the Harmattan School of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) held at the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS).

The theme for the 2022 Harmattan School is "Expanding Nigeria's Democratic Space for Trade Union Organizing in the World of Work."

He specifically commended the labor unions for their contributions to national growth and their policies of dialogue.

"I use this platform to call for constant engagement, dialogue, and mutual understanding to resolve all issues between stakeholders in the labor industry."

"This will foster industrial harmony, improve productivity, and hasten national development," he said.

He expressed hope that the gathering would evaluate the inner workings of labor organizations and foster understanding between employers and employees in the formal and informal sectors alike.

AbdulRazaq commended the Director General of the Institute, Mr. Issa Aremu, and his team for sustaining the age-long initiative, which he called a smart way to bridge existing gaps in labor-government relations.

The governor reaffirmed his government's commitment to the welfare of workers in the state as part of the measures to promote industrial harmony.

AbdulRazaq urged participants to extend the knowledge gained from the event to others who were not present, noting that "that is the way our society can reap the full benefits of this laudable program."

Speaking also, Mr. Issa Aremu, the Director General of the Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, said the theme for this year's Harmattan School was apt, adding that organized labor knew that democracy offered them a better platform to advance the struggle for decent work and decent living.

He said the forthcoming elections in Nigeria would largely be determined by labor issues like employment, wages, the security of jobs, and good governance.

Aremu questioned who among the presidential candidates was capable and ready to re-industrialize the country, create jobs, and pay workers a living wage.

He commended AbdulRazaq for doing so much to promote the comfort and dignity of the state workforce, alluding to the government's commitment to the implementation of the new minimum wage and regular payment of salaries, among other pro-labor programs.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Aliyu Ore, the NLC State Chairman, said that the workers of Kwara appreciated the national leadership of the congress for the opportunity of hosting the program.

According to him, there is a need for members to update themselves on new things and study the dynamics of struggles.

He commended the state government for the prompt payment of workers' salaries, adding that the governor recently presented a new car and other incentives to some workers who distinguished themselves.

A representative of the Country Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mrs. Inviolata Chinyangarara, advised the NLC to ensure efforts were made to bring on board the youth and women, especially in the rural areas.

She observed that women and youth made up an important part of the economy while also advising on the need for constant innovation.