NLC Inaugurates Body To Fight COVID- 19 in Anambra

A 12-man Committee whose responsibility is to sensitize workers and citizens on the reality, prevalence, prevention and containment measures against Covid-19 has been inaugurated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State.

The Committee, with the name, “Labour-Civil Society Situation Room On COVID-19” has the mandate to embark on advocacy and social dialogue with government and private sector employees to promote public health and employment and income protection for workers in the State.

Part of the Body terms of reference include maintenance of surveillance on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the workforce and adopt appropriate position. It will also gear efforts to support workers who are in the frontline of the Covid-19 Pandemic with relevant information and occupational safety kits.

Members of the Situation Room should, as a matter of duty, focus on maintaining a feedback system between workers, worker’s organizations, government and employers in the private sector as well as to protect jobs, wages and means of livelihood of Nigerians.

The Situation Room is to engage the State Government on how best to gradually and systematically open up the economy for business and production and put in place effective control and protective measures against further spread and fatalities of the novel coronavirus disease.

In his address while inaugurating the body, the Chairman of NLC in Anambra State, who double as the Chairman of the Situation Room, Comrade Jerry Nnubia explained that the existence of the body was necessitated by the need to join forces with the State Government, public spirited individuals and organizations to resist and wage the war against the deadly disease called coronavirus.

Comrade Nnubia reminded members of the Situation Room, that the body would serve as think-tank to liaise and advice the Government on the best strategy going forward. He reiterated that the virus is in Nigeria and constituting a global menace hence resisting it in Anambra State would be joint responsibility of all including the Labour Force and Civil Society Groups.

The Labour Leader congratulated members of Situation Room and called on them to dedicate their lives and energy in the struggle to wage a fierce war against the spread of the disease and save the lives of the people of the State.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the members, the Secretary of the Situation Room and the State Chairman of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Comrade Chris Azor stated that the Situation Room promised to bring everybody on board towards the promotion of human and civil rights of the citizens in the formation of a collaboration between Labour and Civil Society Groups.

Comrade Azor encouraged members of Committee to brace up to the challenges and responsibilities of the assignment to ensure transparency and accountability in this Covid-19 pandemic period.

By Emmanuel Ifesinachi