The Lagos State Council of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the state Governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, to allow public and private employees to work from home.
The union also begged Mr Sanwo-Olu to expand the restriction order over COVID-19 to cover workplaces and commercial vehicles, and not just closure of schools and social gatherings.
It should be noted that Lagos State has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases.
As of the time of reporting, Lagos state had reported 19 cases, Abuja – four, Ogun- two, Ekiti – one and Oyo – one.
The TUC, however, made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Lagos State Chairman, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo and Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan.
“We think the government should be more specific in its directives by asking all workers in the state and other employers of labour to allow their workers to work from home.
“This is so because most offices have more than 50 staff given the directive issued by the government concerning the number of people allowed to come together in a particular social setting,” the statement reads.
Both union leaders also called for restrictions on commercial vehicle operations in the state for at least, a minimum of two weeks.
According to the duo, this may be necessary because most people who ride on commercial vehicles can be exposed to the virus due to the untidy manner and tight nature of vehicles
“If restrictions are not placed on commercial vehicles in Lagos, it might make a mockery of other efforts of governments,” they said.
The leaders urged Lagosians, including workers, to take every precaution seriously and keep themselves safe and healthy. The union, which also called on the people to unite in the fight against COVID-19, said that every spirited effort was required to keep the state safe and healthy.
While commending the government for the effort so far in the fight of the scourge, the TUC urged the government to do more in the area of enlightenment and awareness.
They said continuous awareness creation was necessary to break the dogma among Nigerians who were yet to believe in the potency of the virus.
“The government should, as a matter of urgency, approach the issue with all seriousness it deserves.
“It should do this by ensuring that all allocations released to fight this virus are effectively and judiciously used for the purpose if we are to get positive results,” the leaders said.
