PRESS STATEMENT

The National leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is deeply pleased and elated to lend its voice in reigniting consciousness in the minds of all stakeholders towards a purposeful development as the continent commemorates the 2020 edition of the Africa Industrialization Day, which is being observed on November 20 of every calendar year.

As a trade Union body and also a socially responsible organisation, we found it appropriate and worthwhile to encourage Africa to leverage its abundant human and natural resources with creativity and innovation to fast-track industrialization, economic development and regional integration with cooperation as well as sincerity of purpose to engender faster collective growth and prosperity.

Undoubtedly, industrialization is a primary driver of economic growth and job creation, and will be pivotal in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, therefore all hands must be on deck to make these laudable visions fruitful, achievable and enduring.

Consequently, African leaders, policy makers, captains of industries, employers of labour and the citizenry must work in synergy and continue to highlight the links between industrial development and Africa’s moves towards establishing a Continental Free Trade Area; these are mutually supportive endeavours that shouldn’t be trivialized.

More pointedly, there is need for strategic investments in cross-border infrastructure so as to consciously advance both trade and industrial capacity, promoting green technologies and low-carbon solutions, all of these will help to create compelling opportunities for increased commerce and industrialization alike.

Similarly, small and medium enterprises, which already contribute 80 per cent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product and support 90 per cent of all jobs, will remain key actors. Governments, business and civil society will need to forge partnerships to spur innovation and create incentives to power sustainable growth.

It will also be critical to unleash the capacities of Africa’s young people and to strengthen African institutions. Both the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 must recognize and embrace these imperatives.

On Africa Industrialization Day 2020, NUPENG once again urges all critical players to foster strong commitment towards supporting Africa’s industrialization, the implementation of a continental free trade agreement, and the building of inclusive, resilient, peaceful and prosperous societies for all. May God bless and prosper Africa.

Our solidarity remains constant for the Union makes us strong.

SIGNED:

COMRADE WILLIAMS ENIREDONANA AKPOREHA,
NUPENG National President,

COMRADE AFOLABI OLAWALE,
General Secretary.