▪︎UGC image of MAN President, Francis Meshioye, and Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) is earnestly appealing to the organisers of the planned #EndBadGovernance protests (starting August 1-10), to conduct it in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere devoid of causing destruction to business offices nationwide.
The OPSN encompasses 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).
In a statement from its Secretariat at MAN headquarters in Lagos, on Monday, OPSN , said :” As representatives of the business community, we are acutely aware of the potential economic
impact of mass protests.
Our members are 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.
It is crucial to remember that many businesses are still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked End SARS protests a few years ago.”
The statement reads: “The OPSN 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 organizations in
Nigeria, the OPSN prioritizes 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.
However, should the decision to protest be made, we earnestly appeal for it to be conducted in a
peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
A peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities.
It will also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.
We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation.
“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.” ▪︎