Labour urges FG to halt privatisation of public services

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to scale down, halt and reverse where possible, the decision to privatise public services.

This is contained in a message signed by the President of NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, to commemorate Public Service Day on June 23.

Wabba said the public service availed the country the opportunity to re-state effective and genuine ways of tackling inequality, want, deprivation and misery in Africa.

``It is to consciously and consistently implement state-driven public services delivery programmes and not to privatise them.

``According to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the state still remains the driver of the commanding heights of the economy, and the provider of jobs and services.

``Congress holds the strong view that aggressive privatisation should not be an excuse for failing to stem Illicit Financial Flows(IFF) from Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

``The case for serious, aggressive, brave and sustainable inward looking cannot be more urgent now that the country is confronted by near-unprecedented economic challenges.''

The message said the performance of basic and fundamental state duties such as payment of salaries and pension as when due was under real threat.

In it, Wabba held that 16 months after African Union-Economic Commission for Africa’s (AU-ECA) report on Illicit-Financial Flows from Africa, no action had been taken by the Africa Heads of State.

``Congress is not in doubt that these lost revenues would boost and complement finances necessary for achieving the roll-out of social services that could considerably alter the quality of life of the citizenry.

``We are not amused that government has chosen to increase Value Added Tax and pump price of petroleum products rather than commit same zeal and attention to dealing with criminalities and their perpetrators.

It stated that devaluing the Naira and other such policies that will punish the poor and exacerbate the hardship and miseries of indigent households.

``On the commemoration of Public Service Day 2016, we congratulate workers, especially the public sector workers to whom this day is dedicated.

``This is for their commitment, devotion and sacrifice and without whom there would be no public service or programmes'', said the message.

It posited that for the public service to deliver on its mandate, Nigeria needed a strong and professional public service fully equipped and alive to its responsibilities.