The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers’ Federation (CANMPEF) has called on Federal Government to address foreign exchange (forex) shortage, particularly for purchase of raw materials input for manufacturing and machinery.
Its President, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, made this known at the 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
Edwin said the government should consult major and key users of forex and develop a less rigid approach to address the matter.
On the difficulties being encountered by the industries, the CANMPEF president urged the government to address incessant hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and gas as well as electricity tarrif.
“Review current national electricity tariff pricing model to achieve a streamlined and harmonised tariff across the country in favour of our industrialisation agenda,” he said.
In a related development, Edwin appealed to the government to address multiple taxes and levies by the local, state, and federal agencies, adding that they be should be harmonised and reviewed downwards to reduce the cost of business and make made-in-Nigeria goods competitive.
In his report, the Executive Secretary of the union, Mr. Femi Oke, emphasised on the need to address inflation, unemployment, physical infrastructure constraints, among others.
He said the government should urgently by way of policies encourage private sector-led investment and initiatives with potential for mass employment and internal wealth generation.
“On the other hand, it should continue to create an enabling and attractive environment for local and foreign direct investments. Social ills such as kidnapping, banditry, social unrest should be tackled from a collaborative standpoint with the government displaying leadership, ” Oke added.
In a goodwill by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, said it had been proactive in working out a mechanism for fostering greater reconciliation and mediation through facilitated space for dialogue and negotiations in labour matters.
“We work to ensure the quick dispensation of Justice in the resolution of industrial conflicts in order to avoid stalemate, which might give rise strikes and lockouts. The essence is for the companies to survive that the workforce will also survive,” he added.
The AGM ended with the election that returned the executives of the union, including the President unopposed.
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