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 advocated the need for constructive dialogue to address the nation’s current socioeconomic challenges and achieve the desired changes.
The OPSN gave this advice on Monday in a statement after critically considering the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.
It pointed out that as an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organizations in Nigeria, it prioritizes the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens, and urged all parties to embrace the path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country.
However, the group maintained that if the agitators for changes decided to protest, their protests should be conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere as a peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities.
Similarly, the OPSN stated that peaceful demonstration would 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 further clarified: “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.
“We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation. 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.
“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”, it added.
