Oyerinde’s remarks come amidst the second day of the ongoing strike by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), initiated on November 13 to address the perceived inaction of the Federal Government concerning the assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo state.

NECA strongly condemned the harassment and brutalization of the NLC president, emphasizing that shutting down the entire national economy was unjustifiable.

Oyerinde questioned the effectiveness of incessant strikes in solving underlying issues, considering the challenging economic state.

He pointed out that organized businesses were already struggling to survive, emphasizing the need for fundamental considerations by both the government and labor.

Oyerinde stressed that the private sector should not be unfairly affected by actions or inactions, highlighting the detrimental impact on businesses and employees.

The Director-General urged a return to the negotiation table, emphasizing the importance of a pragmatic approach. If the current negotiation model proves ineffective, Oyerinde suggested adopting a new one. He advocated for the exploration of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to foster a more constructive dialogue between the government and organized labor.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Lagos, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director-General of NECA, conveyed the organization’s stance.

However, Oyerinde emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the state of the country’s four refineries following the removal of fuel subsidy.

This action has resulted in an unprecedented surge in petrol prices and transportation fares.

The Director-General urged President Tinubu’s administration to adopt forward-looking policies to address the current fuel crisis effectively.

Oyerinde highlighted that many interventions capable of mitigating the crisis would require a medium to long-term timeframe for implementation.

“It is therefore advisable to plan for the future. We require programs and policies that offer permanent or long-term solutions,” Oyerinde remarked.

He further emphasized the importance of stimulating manufacturing and industrial production to foster the development of local economies.

“We reiterate our call for the complete removal of fuel subsidy, as it will promote sustainable enterprise growth and competitiveness. Subsidy removal will generate substantial financial revenue that can be allocated to infrastructure development, among other areas,” he explained.

Oyerinde urged the Federal Government to conduct extensive education and awareness campaigns to communicate the essence and benefits of removing petrol subsidy.

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to understand that this policy is in their best interest and will positively impact both their well-being and the economy.

Recall that the Federal Government extended the duration of the ongoing ‘Exercise Swift Response’ across the nation’s borders till January 31, 2020, an exercise that started in August 2019.

According to a statement by its Director-General, Mr. Timothy Olawale, on Monday in Abuja, NECA stressed that the policy was focused more on income generation and the federal government should take a broader look at the fundamentals of its decision to close the borders.

“While we acknowledge the trade imbalance between Nigeria and its neighbours and the security challenges facing the country currently, the citizen’s welfare and business prosperity should not be sacrificed for the inefficiency of our border policing.

“Despite the many merits that come with the border-closure, we are concerned that the policy comes without any palliative for legitimate local businesses, which negate the attempts at alleviating poverty and reduce unemployment. The continuous closure also possesses the capacity to render many Nigerians jobless and hungry,” he said.

Mr. Olawale reiterated the need to address the fundamental challenge of smuggling and insecurity while noting that businesses should not be sacrificed because of the inefficiencies of the Customs Service to protect the borders.

“The policy was more consistent with income generation and not in agreement with the harsh effect it has on households, businesses and investors’ confidence in general. Since the advent of this policy, prices of goods, especially food items had increased tremendously, further making the average Nigerian vulnerable as 70% of poor households budget is spent on food.

“Government must take a broader look at the fundamentals of its assumptions that led to the decision to close the borders. The government should not stifle legitimate businesses because of the inefficiency of the Customs Service to keep the borders safe.

“If the borders are safe and the Government enforces the bilateral and multilateral agreements it had signed with other countries, there won’t need to close the borders. Efforts should be stepped up to equip the Customs to live up to its responsibilities of protecting the borders and nip smuggling in the bud,” he added.

He further stated that “at a time like this when unemployment rate is on the increase (23.1%), underemployment at 16.6% and expected to reach 33.5% by 2020, inflation rate now on upward trend, Government’s fiscal and monetary policies should focus on sustainable enterprise, job creation and rapid economic development premised on wide-range consultation with critical stakeholders.”

However, details of his death are yet to be known, but a brief statement from NECA, reads “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Dr. Mohammed Yinusa, President and Chairman of Council, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). The sad event occurred on Wednesday, 3rd July 2019.

He will be buried according to Islamic rites today, 4th July 2019 at 3p.m, at Vaults & Gardens Cemetery, 36, Lekki – Epe Expressway, Beside Mayfair Gardens Estate, Awoyaya, Lagos.”