NLC kicks against African continental free trade agreement

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  has raised alarm over what it termed “a renewed neo-liberal policy initiative” being driven by the Ministry of Trade and Investment that seeks to open the nation’s  seaports, airports and other businesses to unbridled foreign interference. A statement issued by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, explained that the policy initiative […]

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  has raised alarm over what it termed “a renewed neo-liberal policy initiative” being driven by the Ministry of Trade and Investment that seeks to open the nation’s  seaports, airports and other businesses to unbridled foreign interference.

A statement issued by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, explained that the policy initiative would make it possible for a foreign airline to directly do local scheduled flights without employing Nigerians.

“Owing to the sensitivity of this policy or its possible fallouts on our economy, those driving it were directed to consult the Nigerian local business community and organised labour. 

“However, we at the organised labour were not consulted. Information reaching us suggests that the relevant business community has not been consulted. The drivers of this policy initiative, without consulting the relevant stakeholders for possible impact assessment, have perfected a document for the signature of President Muhammadu Buhari at Kigali on  March 21. We are more worried by the probable outcome of this policy initiative if it is given life because of its crippling effect on local businesses and attendant effect on jobs,” Wabba said.  

Therefore, he urged President Muhammadu  Buhari  not to sign the proposed  agreement either in Kigali or anywhere, arguing  that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, rather than unite and enrich Africa, would further divide and pauperise it.

“We find it confounding that at a time nations, including the United States, are resorting to protectionism in defence of their local businesses and protection of jobs, we have the audacity to want to fling open our doors, windows and rooftops. We have no doubt this policy initiative will sound the death knell of the Nigerian economy. There is no doubt we have need of foreign investment, but in our view, such investment should not be a poisoned chalice,” he said.