FIWON Calls for Fundamental Shift in Economy, Dismisses Palliatives as Ineffective
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, has highlighted the need for more than just palliatives to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. Speaking at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, Falana emphasized the importance of tackling youth unemployment and called for the implementation of a social security law.
Addressing the protesting members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who had marched from Ikeja to Alausa, Falana stressed the necessity of a permanent solution beyond temporary palliatives. He urged the Lagos State government to lead by example by passing a social security bill, which would set a precedent for other states to follow suit.
Falana praised the NLC for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and expression. He described their actions as a significant victory for civil liberties and highlighted the importance of standing up for one’s rights.
Regarding the federal government’s decision to implement the Oronsaye report, Falana expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing the cost of governance. He questioned the government’s approach to addressing the economic challenges facing the country.
The national body of the NLC had called for a two-day protest to draw attention to the hardship and hunger affecting workers and Nigerians at large. The NLC in Lagos complied with this directive by staging a peaceful march to the State House of Assembly.
Mrs Funmi Sessi, the state Chairman of the NLC, presented a letter outlining their grievances to the speaker and clerk of the house. She called on the governor of Lagos State to address the protesters and urged the assembly to convey their message to the governor.
In response, Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, commended the NLC for their peaceful protest. He assured them that the government was taking steps to address their concerns, including rolling out permanent palliatives and reducing the cost of transportation.
On the sidelines, the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON) called on the Federal Government to invest in the fundamental structure of the economy. FIWON’s General Secretary, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in the management of the economy, including investment in education, healthcare, and industries.
PM News
