Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that the salaries of members of the National Assembly are not enough to meet the demands of their constituencies.
Akpabio made the statement during a debate on the impending strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
Despite the hardships caused by the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient with the government as it takes steps to alleviate their suffering.
The Senate President was responding to a motion raised by Abdulraman Kawu Suleiman (NNPP, Kano) who averred that the strike, should it occur, would have severe consequences for the country, with limited movement, withdrawal of services by transport operators, and closure of markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
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He said:
“The strike threat by NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, cause hunger, frustration, and more hardship that would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
“The NLC strike is also a bad reputation for the Nigerian economy and the educational system because it portrays the country in a bad light to the external world and discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in the country.”
After the debate, the Senate allowed its leadership to communicate between the NLC and the Federal Government to avoid industrial strike action.
