The Honoourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has urged organized labour unions to eschew non-adherence to dispute settlement procedures as strikes and lock-out are inimical to national development.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Clement Illoh stated this recently while declaring open, the 9th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI).
In his words, “I urge you to avoid protest, strikes, lock-out and non adherence to grievance settlement procedure, as they are ill-winds that do no good to the economy.”
Ngige added that social dialogue is essential to the maintenance of industrial peace and harmony in work places and for socio-economic growth of the nation.
Speaking further, the Minister reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to bringing positive change in the conduct of Government’s businesses, instil discipline in the citizenry and promote transparency and accountability in public sphere.
He emphasized that Trade Unions are major contributors to National Development, “Historically, Trade Unions as partners in progress have contributed immensely to the National drive and process of instilling discipline, transparency accountability and patriotism amongst their members as they constitute a major segment of the National Populace.” Ngige said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama Eulogised the outgoing Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako led executive of ASSBIFI, while urging members of the Union to extend same solidarity and spirit of comradeship to the newly elected leadership of ASSBIFI.
In his valedictory speech, the out going President of ASSBIFI, Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako emphasized the important of unity among unions’ members saying, “the modest achievements recorded under my leadership were made possible by the support of both the executive and members of the Union. I therefore wish to state my resolve to continue to render services to the union whenever called upon”.
Samuel Olowookere
Deputy Director (press)
