WORKERS DAY: ORGANIZED PRIVATE SECTOR EXPECTATION FROM GOVERNMENT IN VIEW OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) congratulates Nigerian Workers for another Workers’ Day celebration, which is a global event.

NECA celebrates with Labour – being a social partner and a worthy party in the workplace in all sectors in the country. We commend the Leadership of the National Labour Centres in Nigeria and all Leaders in the various Sectoral Unions.

We want to place on record, our commendation of all Nigerian Workers in the Health Sector and the various chains for their roles in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria. We salute you.

COVID 19 has affected every aspect of the country. Due to the lockdown directive of Government as a way to curtail its spread, activities of organised businesses have been disrupted and businesses in the informal sector interrupted.

Thus, NECA would appreciate all necessary assistance and support from Government towards the growth and survival of businesses in the country, especially in the informal sector. This sector has the largest number of Entrepreneurs who creates employment for Nigerians, aid the operations of the formal sector through the various value chains, ensures that youths are engaged and not involved in crime or social vices, etc.

NECA calls for a more co-ordinated strategy in salvaging jobs and enterprise in the wake of the possible job losses. If businesses do not survive the effect of COVID 19 within the shortest period, it could result in massive job loss in the country.

Government should take decisive action on stimulus package and supports to businesses. NECA expects the Government to engage the social partners and strategize on measures to prevent impending job losses during and post COVID-19. These measures could include government’s direct intervention on direct wage or income support, wage subsidies, tax credits or tax deferrals, short-term work schemes and moratoriums on loan payments by organisations

Government should take decisive action on concerns of the informal sector and ensure intervention in areas such as:

• regular and adequate power/electricity supply
• access to loans and funds for their business operations
• security of lives and properties
• creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive
• multiple or over-regulation and taxation