NIGERIA AT 62: TUC LAMENTS LOW PACE OF DEVELOPMENT
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expressed disappointment over
the low pace of development of the country in its 62 years of independence.
President of TUC, Mr Festus Osifo in his statement on the independence anniversary said that the high hopes and relatively functional system at independence in 1960 has been eroded by corruption, insecurity, high cost of living, decayed infrastructure among others.
He said that it is right to conclude that the decadence is the reason for the security challenges that have paralysed the economy.
He explained that data from National Bureau of Statistics shows that: “unemployment rate has hit 33.3 per cent and it is now one of the highest in the world; inflation rate has increased to 20.52 per cent in August 2022. The misery index has gone beyond the roof; just as maternal mortality rate and number of out of school children are frightening”
The labour leader advised government to expedite action on exposing oil culprits, noting that Nigeria is among the top oil producing countries in the world but does not know the exact quantum of barrels produced per day and cannot refine crude oil locally, invariably frustrating foreign direct investment and export Jobs.
He also said that the federal government and Independent National Electoral Commission should ensure that Nigerians have credible election in 2023
because it will be another litmus test for the present administration to meet the desires of Nigerians for a genuine alteration and variation.
He congratulated Nigerians for their resilience and patience.
