The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) is urging the Federal Government and labour unions to take concerted efforts in preventing any disruption to socio-economic activities.

In a statement issued by Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Head of the OPSN Secretariat in Lagos, the collective comprises five business membership organizations: the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists.

The Nigerian Labour Coungress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are protesting the removal of petroleum subsidy that has raised the pump price of petroleum to N617 per litre.

The OPSN said it has been closely monitoring developments following the recent call by the NLC and the TUC for a nationwide peaceful protest scheduled for August 2, 2023, as consultations between the Federal Government and labour unions have yet to produce positive results.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasized the need for the government to make every effort to reengage with union leaders and find common ground to avert potential disruptions to business activities.

“We believe the government should take into consideration the fragile state of the economy and the possible unintended social unrest that may arise from these protests. We call on our members to be cautious in their business operations while awaiting the outcome of the ongoing consultations between the government and unions,” he said.