Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has described as “unbearable” the pains of unemployment, insecurity, and other challenges Nigerian workers encounter in the country.

Atiku, however, said there is hope from “this socio-economic slope”, urging the workers to adopt a new approach in industrial relations, and dispute resolution by pursuing labour-friendly policies and positions that would guarantee improved national productivity and better working conditions.

The Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant said this in a statement issued and made available to The Star on Saturday by his media office in commemoration of the 2022 Workers’ Day.

Atiku, who noted that he feels the pains of Nigerian workers and all citizens, promised to do the “utmost to better their lots” if elected as President in 2023.

He further expressed concern that “wages and salaries have remained static, food scarcity and inflation abound everywhere, children are out of school due to no fault of theirs, farmers can no longer go to farm for fear of bandits, traders cannot commute freely without being abducted, no energy to power industries and companies are shutting down geometrically; all conspired as a burden on the citizenry.”

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“But all hope is not lost. We need not be forlorn; time is ripe to vote out bad governance and Nigerian workers should lead the way with their voter’s cards at the next polls, to ensure the return of better days,” the former Vice President added.

Atiku, however, extolled the resilience and determination of Nigerian workers, despite the “myriad of man-made challenges” confronting them.

“Nigerians are hardworking and industrious people, who can compete with the best in the world given a conducive atmosphere and good work environment: good training, welfare package and enabling laws,” he said.

The PDP presidential aspirant further urged workers to “keep hope alive, cultivate a new spirit of patriotism that will be geared towards nation-building and peace.”

Atiku appealed to the federal and state governments to work harder to bring the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and other striking labour unions back to the negotiation table in the interest of the Nigerian youths, and the educational system of the country, which he said has been dying gradually due to these incessant labour unrests.

“Our country shall fare very well in the coming years if as a nation and people, our leaders and citizens imbibe a new spirit and approach in our attitude to managing the workplace, corporate governance and our nation’s wealth,” he stated.

The Star