'The workers are weeping' - Organized Labour wants FG to cut cost of governance

The organized Labour Union in Ebonyi has called on the federal and state government to reduce the cost of governance to aid sustainable development.

According to the Union which comprises of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the slash in the cost of governance will go a long way in saving more money for the government to take care of the people’s needs.

This was disclosed in Abakaliki on Wednesday, August 2 during the peaceful protest over the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions also demanded an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000.

Prof Oguguo Egwu, NLC Chairman in Ebonyi said the peaceful protest was to send an official message to the ruling class on the need to harness issues of the well-being of workers.

According to Egwu, the protest is not against any individual but to send messages to the leaders.

“There is need to consider the reduction in fuel hike, reduce school fees and all sorts of hikes to move the nation forward.

“Make our refineries work, allow the poor workers the ability to access education at a low cost.

“The workers are weeping, we need a living wage because the minimum wage cannot sustain us anymore,” the NLC Chairman said.