By Ayo Kehinde
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has called for dialogue and engagement between Government and organisers of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, against economic hardship in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the organisations, the OPS reiterated that constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes.
They urged the organisers of the protest to ensure a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
The statement read in part: “The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), encompassing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), has carefully considered the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.
“As an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organisations in Nigeria, the OPSN prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens.
“We firmly believe that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes. We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country.”
The statement emphasised that a peaceful protest would ensure that citizens could express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities of other citizens.
They argued that this would also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.
The group explained that as representatives of the business community, they were acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests.
They declared that their members were crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation; therefore, any disruption to business operations could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of the people.
The group explained that they had continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing the nation.
They pointed out that many businesses were still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked #EndSARS protests of 2020.
“We call upon security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and properties during this period. The OPSN remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens,” the statement said.
