President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Nigerian workers on Workers’ Day.
In a message read on his behalf by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, during a virtual meeting with Labour leaders via ZOOM, in consonance with the social distancing policy, the Nigerian leader noted that May Day is set aside for workers to celebrate the success of their historical struggles to have a “voice” in the world of work.
The President said It is equally a day to celebrate their partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and contribute to the progress of nations in contemporary times, adding that It is a day to mark and acclaim workers’ productivity in nation building.
While noting that the usual pomp and ceremony characterized by sounds of drumming and march past by various Trade Unions and their Federations are missing in all the stadia throughout the Federation including our Abuja Eagle Square, the President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, explained that it is so because Nigeria is fighting an invisible enemy to humanity termed COVID-19 pandemic.
In a bid to win the war, the President said it set up a Presidential Task Force (PTF), made up of the relevant sector Ministers and highly skilled Health Technical Experts.
The government had to in a well-designed Expert Advice, lock down some states of the federation where this pandemic is most prevalent – the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Ogun and Lagos States. Lagos State was and still is the epicentre of the disease and of late, Kano had to follow because of the new eruptions of COVID-19 in the state.
Offices, businesses, and various forms of out-door activities have been put in abeyance so that “WE” as opposed to “I” factor may prevail so that we may live for tomorrow.
The President said though the lockdown had been partially lifted in some states except Kano, whose workers are enjoined to observe subsequent rules and regulations issued to ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens.
President Buhari acknowledged the anxiety which has plagued the minds of workers over the possibility of job losses due to economic downturn caused by the pandemic and lockdown especially in the private sector.
He again reiterated that the government will ensure that no employer would retrench or lay off workers without going through due process of social dialogue which includes consultations with workers and with the Competent Authority – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The President said he had earlier put in place a Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), with the objective of developing a credible sustainability plan for repositioning the Nigerian economy now and post COVID-19 crisis period.
The ESC he noted, is required to specifically explore ways and means of growing our non-oil sector – all in a bid to minimise the adverse effects of the current crisis and to also protect existing jobs and even create new jobs to help absorb the teeming army of the unemployed even before the crises.
President Buhari expressed his appreciation to Medical Doctors and Healthcare Workers as well as their respective organisations, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), who are doing a great service for humanity.
He said he has directed that requisite incentives and hazard allowances enhancement and insurance for lives should be taken at these perilous times in favour of all health sector workers as a way of showing appreciation.
Also, Personal Protective Equipment for their safety is also guaranteed.