May Day: TUC advocates 3-months tax rebate over COVID-19

•As PDP lauds workers' patriotism, resilience

TRADE Union Congress, TUC, has advocated tax rebate of at least three months to companies in Nigeria, especially the unionized ones at this time of lockdown occasioned by coronavirus.
This is even as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  yesterday felicitated with Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration, describing them as the life force of the nation.
The TUC also recommended two months free electricity to SMEs in particular and Nigerians  generally adding that the SME sector should be made to work efficiently
The demands were contained in the address of the TUC President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, at the 2020 May Day celebration.
Speaking on the devastating effect of the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and the lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of the virus, Olaleye said it had negatively affected the economy of the country.  He said:  "COVID-19 has affected our lives in such a way that it is as if the country is starting life anew. To this end, we must together- government, employers and workers - give all to rejig our economy to avoid the looming acute recession.
"TUC believes that subsidy no longer existed in our economy and advocates fixing of the refineries and building of new ones. This will shield the economy from the vagaries and vicissitudes of international oil prices and politics.
" We advocate reduction of food and drug prices to enable Nigerians who survived the pandemic to recuperate well.
" Furthermore, COVID -19 pandemic met us in a state of unpreparedness. The Chief of Staff to the President died of coronavirus 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 modern day standards and the new emerging disease conditions . " We also appeal to government to  set up standard state of the art hospitals in each of the six geo-political zones to ensure the pandemic does not consume more Nigerians needlessly.
On its part, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described Nigerian workers as the life force of the nation.“In a message of solidarity signed by the spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP commended Nigerian workers for their sacrifices towards the well being of the nation, "particularly at this critical time, when many of them are on the front line against the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country."
The party also commended the resilience of workers in the health and other essential services, "who have continued to exhibit unequalled patriotism, despite the daunting challenges, in the overall effort to mitigate the health, economic and social impacts of the scourge. These citizens are indeed our national heroes.
"The party notes that the Nigerian workers have continued to work hard in every sector to ensure the unity, stability and economic growth of our dear nation as well as standing as a strong voice for the entrenchment of equity, social justice and rule of law in the polity."
It continued: "The PDP laments as depressing, that the 2020 Workers Day came at a time when the world is on lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic, but noted that such does not detract from the essence of the celebration.
"The PDP therefore urges workers not to deter in their commitment towards nation building while wishing them a happy Workers' Day celebrations."
 " This will create accessibility to all Nigerian. This way, our politicians will find no use travelling abroad as health nationalism is becoming the order of the day.“" 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 COVID-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.''
"COVID 19 has once again brought to realisation that any economy dependent on a sole commodity is incapable of taking that country out of the wood. Nigeria must take advantage of her natural and human resources now. Diversification and incentives from government are key to successful industrialisation."

Culled from Vanguard