Textile
Chinyere Bassey
Lagos, May 9, 2018 (NAN) The Industrial Global Union Federation, Nigeria Council, on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to urgently put in place measures recommended in the National Industrial Revolution Plan to improve the textile sector.
The National Council Secretary, Mr Ismail Bello, made the call while fielding questions from journalists after a meeting of the council in Lagos.
According to Bello, it is imperative for the government to address the retardation in the sector.
”The issues include improved electricity, increased and ending of smuggling and counterfeiting of textiles.
”It is important that the government strives to create an enabling environment for production of competitive goods locally,” the secretary said.
On minimum wage, Bello commended the ongoing negotiation for a new minimum wage but said that the process was belated.
He said that there was the need to accelerate and complete the negotiation.
The official urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to push for a broad-based implementation of the wage policy, when in effect.
Bello also advised the NLC to push for sanctions for defaulters.
”Workers want to see a minimum wage review that is based on the economic realities and is self- adjusting through a process of wage indexation.
”We urge that the new minimum wage law must enjoy wide coverage and include strict sanction for violators,” Bello said.
According to him, the council has given support to the oil and gas workers for the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill to be passed without delay.
He advised that all labour-related issues should be given priority attention and social dialogue and consultation with labour be encouraged. (NAN)
CHIN/AOS/IGO
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Ijeoma Popoola