Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has provided
the latest update on the ongoing strike action in the university system,
insisting that negotiations were ongoing between the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) and the Ministry of Education.
Ngige, however, warned that negotiating with ASUU without
simultaneously doing so with the other university-based unions only delayed the
strike as it would not achieve a quick resolution of the issues.
He also declared that Nigeria is broke and may be unable to
finance its capital projects come 2023 if it fails to reduce the cost of
government and remove fuel subsidies, among other actions.
Ngige stated this at a press briefing to commemorate the 2022 World Day Against Child Labour in Abuja on Thursday.
He said, “I can tell you that Nigeria is broke. There is no
money to fund capital projects next year. As you can see, the dollar that has
been hovering around N500 and N600 is now above N700. The truth is that there
is no money anywhere. The money that the FAAC (Federation Account Allocation
Committee) has been sharing is money from taxes, customs, and other
revenue-generating agencies.
“The National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) no
longer remits money to FAAC. So, the situation calls for patriotism from all
Nigerians. The lack of money to fund capital projects would have an implication
on the capacity to create jobs. If jobs are not created, poverty will increase
in the country.”
He added, “I have been Minister of Labour and Employment for
seven years. Before, we negotiated with ASUU alone, which then suspended its
strike. But NASU, SSANU and NAAT were on strike. The non-teaching unions locked
the classrooms and lecture theatres. They also shut down electricity and water
supply to the universities, which almost led to outbreaks on those campuses.
“So, what I am saying is that negotiation with ASUU will not
lead to the reopening of the universities. All of them must be involved in the
negotiations.”
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Nigeria is broke and you want to refurbish NASS building with billions of naira. Hmmm.
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