Nigeria Federal Government and Trade Union Congress (TUC) together with the rest of the world congratulate workers on Friday, 1st of May 2020, as World Workers Day despite the on going pandemic and lockdown.
While noting that relevant factors of the nation’s workforce will be identified, analysed and solidified to ensure job retention and continued realisation of the decent work agenda. The Minister said “It is well known fact that arising from the COVID -19 crisis, businesses in both the private and public sectors have suffered. Sustainability of the enterprise has become a subject of concern. The worries precipitated by the COVID -19 crisis are further compounded by worries of maintaining a source of livelihood.
“In this regard, the government and special partners would have a look at the four – pillar plan of policy responses to COVID-19 crisis laid out by the ILO, which are intended to be human – centered and built on global solidarity.”for social and employment protection at this time of vulnerabilities.
“Along this line, talks are currently ongoing between the Presidential Economic Sustainability Council and Employers on job protection and even creation at this time and progressively to post COVID -19 crisis.”
More so, Dr. Chris Ngige disclosed that the target of the government was to create 10 million jobs within first year of post COVID-19 as he appreciating the efforts of health workers under the union of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA)
He went on to encouraging workers in the Science, Technology, and Research sector put more effort to discovering a vaccine for the infection, saying that if Madagascar and Senegal can come up with something in their research, then we can improve on something to assist the population.
“Over the years, May 1 has been a unique day in the world of work. As we all know, it is called May Day, a day dedicated to workers as partners in socio – economic development of the nations. Workers on this day are recognized as an important limb in the tripod that sustains enterprises and development. Workers, over the years celebrate May Day and in Nigeria match pasts are conducted by trade unions and their federations in various stadia throughout the federation.”
”Today, May 1, 2020, is different. The stadia are empty and there are echoes of silence. We are all taking refuge in our respective homes and staying off the streets in a global bid to stay alive and beat an invisible enemy called COVID-1 9. We stay at home to minimize and eventually stop the spread of the covid-19 infection which has killed many people in the world and dwindled life and economies. “
