Nigerian workers under the aegis of Trade Union Congress (TUC) have appealed to the Federal Government to establish standard state of the art hospitals in each of the six geo-political zones.
In a speech to commemorate workers day, President of TUC, Conrade Quadri Olaleye explained that the development will create health access for all Nigerians and help tackle diseases such as Covid-19 pandemic.
Workers Day is celebrated on May 1 every year.
TUC also advocated for reduction of food and drug prices to enable Nigerians face the challenges associated with Covid-19.
Part of the speech read: “The chief of Staff to the president died of Corona virus complications. Mr. ABBA Kyari’s death presents us a great opportunity to revisit our health sector challenges. All existing Federal teaching / specialists hospitals should be upgraded and equipped with the state of the art medical equipment to meet the modern day standards and the new emerging diseases. This way, our politicians will find no use travelling abroad as health nationalism is becoming the order of the day”.
Workers Plight:
Consequent upon this Covid-19 , many workers might eventually lose their means of livelihood. We call on government to protect the workers from some uncharitable employers. Workers should not be made victims of convid-19.
Similarly, it has been brought to our knowledge that some employers are saying they cannot pay salaries for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. It is evil and inhuman to come up with such decision. . This is the time individuals and organizations should show that workers are partners in progress.
Diversification:
Nigeria must take advantage of her natural and human resources now. Diversification and incentives from government are key to successful industrialisation.
Agriculture:
We call on government at all levels to exploit the potential of the agricultural sector. The Small and Medium Scale businesses (informal sector) should also be encouraged because of the critical role it plays in employment generation.
Taxation:
The Congress advocates tax rebate of at least (3 months) to companies in Nigeria, especially the unionized ones.
Electricity:
We also recommend two months free electricity to SMEs generally and Nigerians in general. Again, we demand that the sector be made to work efficiently. If it will take a review of the privatization process to resolve the power question government should go ahead.
Oil and Gas
The TUC commends government on steps taken so far on subsidy as it would create an atmosphere where market would determine the price of product and also have spiraling effects on value chains on post COVID – 19 Nigeria. The refineries should also be revived and NNLG model adopted. It is more profitable.
