BY ROSEMARY NWAEBUNI/PATRICK MGBODO
Workers in the chemical and non-metallic industry are urgently calling on President Bola Tinubu to reevaluate his economic policies, warning that the administration’s perceived insensitivity is worsening the hardships confronting Nigerians.
This message underscored discussions at the three-day industrial seminar of the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN), held in Asaba, Delta State’s capital.
Reflecting on the nation’s economic state, CANMPSSAN National President, Comrade (Engr.) Segun David, emphasized that the distress brought on by the Tinubu administration’s “unfriendly policies” had left many Nigerians unable to find peace of mind.
“Our association views with deep concern the unbearable cost of living. Despite repeated outcry, the government remains indifferent, making empty promises that yield no relief. Recent reforms are out of touch, as government actions consistently contradict their commitments,” Comrade David said.
He cited the federal government’s failure to honor its pledge not to raise fuel prices during minimum wage negotiations, noting that prices rose even before implementation.
Comrade David also referenced the unfulfilled promise of food-based import tax relief, which was intended to ease food costs but has been followed by soaring market prices.
“The government claimed it sent tons of rice to states and promised affordable pricing, yet we all know the reality”, he added.
David highlighted alarming statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which report an inflation spike from 22.41 percent in 2023, when Tinubu’s administration took office, to a record high of 32.15 percent by August 2024.
With 26.5 million Nigerians suffering acute hunger, according to the World Food Programme, he warned, “A hungry man is an angry man. We urge the president to live up to expectations and improve the lot of the people.”
Other speakers included CANMPEF Secretary Comrade Femi Oke; Registrar of Trade Unions Mr. Amos Falonipe; NUCFRLANMPE President Comrade Bolarinwa Olusola; NUCFRLANMPE National Secretary Comrade Tunde Olagoke; and NJIC Chairman Comrade Femi Adekunle.
The seminar featured lectures on topics such as analyzing workers’ welfare, productivity growth, and government policies in the chemical sector; fostering employer-employee collaboration; and managing human capital for organizational success. Additional sessions explored the Minimum Wage versus Living Wage debate, and strategies for building profitable businesses before and after retirement.
