By Victor AhiumaYoung

The 7th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees, NUCFRLANMPE, provided stakeholders with the opportunity to critically appraise the Chemical and Non-metallic products sub-sector of the nation’s economy over the last four years. The conference, held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, had the theme “Leading a union in an era of economic instability.”

Both workers and employers’ bodies, under the auspices of NUCFRLANMPE and the Chemical and Non-metallic Products’ Employers Federation, CANMPEF, agreed that recent government policies are hastening the decline of the sector. They attributed the current economic situation to the ill-advised removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the nation’s currency, among others, which have forced big players in the sector to relocate to more business-friendly countries.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing President of the Union, Babatunde Goke Olatunji, contended that President Bola Tinubu should have implemented measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of the subsidy removal on the general populace before removal. He lamented that at least 40 companies have closed down in the past three years due to economic instability.

“The theme of the conference is very appropriate for discussion at this present time when the national economy is nose-diving and everyone is at crossroads. It is a known fact that all economic policies advanced to address the economic challenges in Nigeria have proved abortive. It is either they are ill-conceived or some cabals are working against their implementations.”

“The hastiness in removing fuel subsidy without considering measures for cushioning its possible negative effects brought about the current economic instability. Fuel Subsidy removal should have been a gradual process and in phases but not the outright removal without feeling the pulse of the masses. Top-bottom approach in decision making can only bring about dissent reactions. Rather, decision making in a democracy should be participatory.

“There is no nation in the world that does not subsidize public goods and services for the betterment of the national economy. It is equally important to canvass for diversification instead of relying solely on petroleum. More worrisome is the fact that crude oil is exported in its raw form without value-adding. We have four public refineries but none is working.

“Another hydra-headed monster that is affecting both businesses and individuals in Nigeria is the high tariff of electricity.

Reflecting on his achievements during his eight-year tenure, Olatunji said, “During our time in office, we built a guest house and completed our multipurpose shopping mall. We also upgraded the National Secretariat with modern facilities, installed solar panels, and CCTV cameras, among other improvements.

“Our top priority has always been the welfare of our members, ensuring that their salaries were paid promptly.”

CANMPEF

Executive Secretary of CANMPEF, Femi Oke, expressed sadness over the current economic situation, which has forced firms to relocate from Nigeria to other countries where the policy environment favors them.

 Oke eulogized the former President of NUCFRLANMPE for his outstanding performance in office for eight years and urged the members of the Union to cooperate with the new President, saying that the current economic situation has become very hostile to the growth and development of industries in Nigeria.

“The current situation has become so hostile and harsh that some companies are already relocating from Nigeria. The atmosphere here has become so bad, courtesy of the fuel subsidy removal, which is having a devastating effect on the industrial sector of the country.”

“The Executive Secretary noted that the adverse impact of the harsh economic situation, exacerbated by the fuel subsidy removal, warning that this negative trend would only worsen the already high unemployment rate in the country and urged President Bola Tinubu to address the issue urgently before the situation deteriorates further.”

Ekiti State’s Controller of Labour, Grace Adeleye, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for the workforce, particularly in promoting initiatives that enhance workers’ skills and adaptability in the ever-changing economic landscape. She assured that the Ministry would continue to implement and uphold policies that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and provide safe working conditions.