The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has urged the newly elected state council chairmen of the union to ensure accountability and transparency.

The national president of MHWUN, Kabir Ado-Minjibir, gave the charge during the inauguration of the 38 state councils of the union on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Ado-Minjibir warned that the national leadership of the union would not hesitate to sanction any council chairman that goes against the constitution of the union.

He urged them to observe three major pillers, which are accountability, transparency and discipline, as the foundation for a progressive union.

“It is pertinent to use this occasion to restate this administration’s policy thrust of accountability, transparency and discipline, which is the foundation of the union we are enjoying today.

“I, therefore, call on the new chairmen, as leaders of state councils, to make these three pillars the baseline of their operations in order to avoid pitfalls.

“The national leadership will not hesitate to wield the big stick whenever necessary against any chairman that goes contrary to the constitution and financial policies of the union,” he said.

He further said that the union had set up a strong and real-time database to monitor and gauge the performances of the new state council leadership.

Also, Ayuba Wabba, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said that the government’s proposed annual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) would have severe consequences for workers.

Mr Wabba described the proposal as detrimental to workers’ welfare and the economy at large.

He said that the government’s plan to gradually increase VAT from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent was unreasonable.

He said that it would lead to higher costs of goods and services and increase the economic burden on ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, many countries, including Ghana, are reducing VAT to ease the cost of living.

“Why is Nigeria moving in the opposite direction? This is regressive,” he said.

Mr Wabba said that such an increase would erode the purchasing power of workers and affect wages, including the minimum wage, which would be insufficient to cover the rising costs of essential goods.

He urged unions to challenge the policy and ensure that workers’ voices are heard in the ongoing discussions.

He also advocated for a fairer tax system, suggesting that the wealthy should bear a larger share of the tax burden while providing subsidies for the poor.

“We must tax the rich and subsidise the poor,” he said.

Mr Wabba, while congratulating the newly elected MHWUN state chairmen, charged them to uphold the legacy of integrity and progressive trade unionism.

He said that the union’s strength is in its commitment to accountability and transparency.

He also advised the new leaders to avoid corruption and ensure that union funds were used responsibly.

“None of you should be found wanting. You must make sure that you are able to represent our members in your various states effectively.

“Also, try to make sure that you are able to reflect the good image of the union,” he said.

(NAN)