They urged that if the government created a conducive environment by providing necessary infrastructure like power supply to subsidise the cost of diesel and gas usage of players in the industry to run their facilities profitably, the sector would thrive.
The union made the demands in a communique issued at its 10th Triennial National Delegates’ Conference in Lagos, with the theme ‘Building Unions/Management Relationship: Issues Involved.’
The workers called on the Federal Government to reconsider its policy on privatisation of the three major paper mills in the country by constituting a committee of stakeholders to chart a way forward to revitalise the moribund paper mills.
They said the paper mills such as the Nigerian Paper Mill in Jebba, Okuboku Paper Mill in Cross River State and the Nigerian Paper Mill Iwopin in Ogun State, could fetch the government a lot of returns in foreign exchange and employment generation.
They equally called on the Federal Government to liaise with the industry stakeholders, especially, the Paper and Paper Board Manufacturers and Converters Association (PPMCA) to seek ways it could assist the sector either by way of financial bailout through grants or loans on a single digit interest.
They urged state governments on tax relief given the nation’s critical situation and also scaled up the paper industry to reposition the sector for growth.
Chairman of the event and Group Managing Director of Veevee Paper Products Ltd, who stated that the industry stands as a pillar of Nigeria’s economy, said it not only contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but also provides employment and livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians.
He called for collaborative efforts in addressing challenges of economic volatility, infrastructure development and regulatory environment.
Immediate past National President of the union, Dada Joseph, urged the government to adequately tackle insecurity challenges, stating that it was biting harder as their goods and services are not safe to transport finished goods across the country.
