The NLC further said the cash crunch threatens to cast a shadow over the festivities in the Yuletide season.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it is deeply concerned about the recent cash crunch that has gripped the Nigerian economy, particularly as the nation approaches the festive season.
In a statement dated December 18, NLC President Joe Ajaero called on the government to urgently address the issue to prevent further hardships for the already-suffering Nigerian populace.
The statement noted the conditions Nigerians were subjected to as a result of the last cash crunch earlier this year during the Buhari administration.
It said that this time, there is no discernible reason by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) neither any explanation from the government on why Nigerians should be subjected to this level of suffering once again in 2023.
The NLC said reasons like the increase in fake notes in circulation and the hoarding of the naira are unacceptable, adding that it is not the ordinary Nigerians that hoard money in their houses.
The statement added, “If the CBN is saying that those with ill-gotten wealth are stashing cash in their houses to avoid detection, it becomes a heavy indictment on the government anti-corruption agenda. This is because what the CBN is saying is that since the assumption of office of this Government, that the level of graft has increased resulting in the creation of hideouts for the slush funds. The question then is; should the ordinary citizens be made to suffer the apparent incompetence of government in prosecuting the anti-corruption war or is it that there is actually no anti-corruption war going on?
“Nigerians are spending more time in the Banks trying to source for cash not for monies that are not in their accounts but for their own money. This is undermining confidence of the public in the banks and may discourage the citizenry from participating actively in Banking. It is shameful that Nigerians would have to spend a lot of money to gain access to their hard-earned income. We are creating another avenue for economic rentiers such as the POS operators and their collaborators in the Banks to fleece Nigerians.
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“Subjecting us again to spend our meagre salaries buying our money automatically devalues our income. POS operators currently charge around N400 to access N10,000. This is about a 4% reduction in the value of the income of poor Nigerians who hardly make use of electronic platforms to perform their transactions. For citizens who are already impoverished by the same policies of Government, foisting this on them again, amounts to gross insensitivity and double jeopardy.
“We are worried that by this action and others, the Government may be inciting the people and mobilizing them to seek alternative routes for protecting themselves from these perverse policies. We believe that the elastic limit of the patience of Nigerians is being breached and no government inflicts this level of pains on its citizenry and expects them to keep quiet for a long time. Forcing Nigerians into revolt by continuously taking actions that deny them basic access to survival will not augur well for our nation. This cash crunch is indeed another test of the already worn patience of Nigerian masses and workers.”
The NLC further said the cash crunch threatens to cast a shadow over the festivities in the Yuletide season.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress recognizes the importance of a vibrant economy, and we believe that it is in the interest of the nation to ensure that our citizens can enjoy the festive season without undue financial strain. We call on the government to take immediate and decisive action to alleviate the cash crunch and mitigate its impact on the people.
“Government should therefore explore measures to inject liquidity into the economy, ensuring that there is sufficient cash flow to meet the demands of businesses and individuals. It is fairly tale to continue brandishing cash hoarding as an excuse. Nigerians want their money and it should be made available to them. Excuses are not what Nigerians want to hear but access to their money.
“We urge Government to collaborate with other financial institutions to improve banking services, such as ensuring the availability of cash at ATMs and bank branches to facilitate easy access for the public. We urge the CBN to Provide clear and transparent communication to the public regarding the steps being taken to address the cash crunch and reassure citizens about the stability of the financial system.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress is not unmindful of the complexities of managing an economy, especially during challenging times. However, it is crucial for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and take immediate action to alleviate their suffering,” the statement added.
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