The Leadership of the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) have been expressing concerns about the challenges faced by the food sector and the country’s economy in recent years. The former President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, has advised affiliated unions to the NLC and Trade Union Congress to become independent and avoid outside interference by seeking alternative investments. The President of NUFBTE, Comrade Garba Ibrahim, highlighted these issues during the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja over the weekend, noting the negative impact on members nationwide.
Turbulent Times and Challenges Ahead
Comrade Garba Ibrahim addressed the members at the NEC meeting, discussing the theme of “Strategic Partnerships between unions and Employers: A Potent Catalyst in Unlocking Exponential Growth Opportunities in a Depressed Economy.” He acknowledged the economic turbulence of the past year, emphasizing the need for unity, respect, dialogue, and tolerance among members. Efforts have been made to reconcile any discord within the Union, with a focus on financial management and debt reduction as key priorities. The leadership continues to implement recommendations to strengthen the union and support its members through challenging times.
Investing in Independence and Strength
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stressed the importance of unions being strong and independent to protect workers’ rights effectively. He advocated for unions to invest in revenue-generating ventures rather than solely relying on dues. Wabba cited examples of global unions that have successfully invested workers’ funds in profitable ventures, emphasizing the need for financial security and independence to defend workers’ interests. He urged unions to prioritize investments to secure the income and stability of their members in the face of economic uncertainty. As the former global president of the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC), Wabba’s insights underscored the significance of strategic investments in building resilient and empowered unions.
