Chemical Union Laments High Cost Of Living, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Unhelpful

The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms tagging them as unhelpful to the union and Nigerians at large.

The union shared its frustration in a statement by its National President, Mr Segun David, during his opening remark at the 29th Annual National Management/Industrial Relations Seminar on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta State.

In his remark, David decried the policies of the present administration noting that they are adversely affecting chemical and non-metallic products in Nigeria.

He said, “We are here for three days to discuss the urgent need to interrogate ourselves on how the policies of this present government are adversely affecting the welfare of workers and productivity growth in our sector.

“Stakeholders must always be on alert and all hands must be on deck to ensure the sustainability of business within the chemical sector.”

The association lamented the high cost of living which it described as unbearable and criticized the government for paying more attention to unfulfilled promises.

David emphasized that the reforms of President Tinubu has proven unhelpful.

He said, “Our association views with great concern the unbearable high cost of living in the country.

“Despite our outcry, the government of the day seems unperturbed and is instead reeling out promises that are never fulfilled. The government reforms have proven unhelpful as its body language is out of tune with its intervention.

The association accused Tinubu of betrayal stating, “During the minimum wage negotiations, the Federal Government promised not to increase the pump price of petrol but reneged and increased the price before the minimum wage implementation.

“The promise of tax relief for food-based imports and companies was met with astronomical increase in market food prices,” David concluded.

The Registrar of Trade Unions, Amos Falonipe, expressed optimism that the seminar would help address major issues affecting the sector.

He said, “I am particularly pleased with the theme of this year’s seminar which is ‘In-Depth Analysis of Interwoven Parameters of Workers, Productivity, Growth and Government Policy in the Chemical Sector.’ The theme is apt and timely, considering the fact that both human resources (workers) and government policy are at the centre of any effort to increase productivity by any organization.

“Thus, to achieve greater productivity in our nation requires setting specific goals and initiatives by policymakers/stakeholders which I believe will be addressed during this seminar.

Falonipe urged stakeholders to make the best of the opportunity saying, “I, therefore, implore all stakeholders participating in this seminar to utilize this opportunity to brainstorm and come up with a workable solution/communiqué that will help in improving our productivity and also our condition of service and welfare package.”