By PAUL ADAJI, Abuja –
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), has observed that the declaration and commencement of the on-going nation-wide strike by the organized labour is ill-timed and unfavorable to the Nigerian Muslim community.
National President of AHUON, Abdulateef Ekuindayo Yusuf, made the observation on Monday, even as he said that the Association understood the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congres (TUC) “to press for a better working condition for the Nigerian workers.”
“We feel the pains of all Nigerians at this trying period,” the AHUON National President said in a statement made available to NATIONAL ACCORD in Abuja.
The rest of the statement reads:
“We would like to call the attention of the Labour Congress to the impact of the strike on one of the most fundamental pillars of Islam which is followed by Eid kabir festival nationwide and the financial implications the strike will have on Muslims who have saved for years to be able to embark on this holy journey.
“Additionally, the financial loss to our members will run into Billions of Naira having completed all necessary arrangements of accommodation, transportation, feeding in both Mecca and Madinah, including issued tickets and visas for thousands of people (of which payments are non-refundable) who will be affected by disruption of both local and international flights operations.”
The Association therefore called on the leadership of the NLC and the TUC to “please re-consider their stand on the timing of the strike action in the interest of Nigerian Muslims who form majority of their membership until after the Hajj to avert huge financial loss that will be borne by average Nigerian.”
The AHUON President also expressed the hope that the Association’s plea would meet favourable consideration from the leadership of the two unions “as they’re sensitive to our religious diversity.”
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