The President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, has commended the members of the chamber and indeed the entire Nigerian workers for their roles in economic development of the country.

He also acknowledged the specific sacrifices made by workers who are on the front-line in the battle against containment of the dreaded Coronavirus disease and called for appreciation for such gesture.

In a May Day 2020 message, Prince Kayode said “the battle for the control of the disease demands that all hands must be on the deck to salvage the situation as well as account for quick recovery of the Nigerian economy.”

According to him, “The occasion of the May Day celebration must be rededicated towards the tireless efforts, resilience, patience and commitment of the Nigerian workers in the overall task of nation building.”

Prince Kayode therefore used the occasion to call on the government and indeed all employers of labour in the country to prioritise welfare of workers which he said will spur them to higher productivity.

He also said the various economic stabilisation policies by the government and the establishment of the Economic Sustainability Committee which is headed by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, are clear demonstration of the importance the government attaches to the welfare of the workers.

The ACCI President said: “The 2020 Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day, or May Day is coming at a time the world is battling to combat the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has kept economies across the world locked down.

“It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented disruption in our normal lives, supply chain activities and general wellbeing. However, it has come along with a sustainable effect which seeks to reshape our work culture, ways of doing business, provision of services and new opportunities which workers and organisations must key into.

“As a Grade A Chamber of Commerce, we enjoin our members, the business community and Nigerian workers to use the lockdown period to equip themselves with information and skills that will enable them effectively and efficiently approach their work in a disrupted economic setting.

“We must however remain hopeful that, at the end of the day, all of us will be better than where we were when the pandemic struck the world. I therefore wish all workers a splendid May Day 2020 celebration.”

In order to cushion the effect of the pandemic, Prince Kayode advised government to put in place the necessary mechanism and policies to enhance jobs creation, socio-economic development and employment generation.

He said the best way to go about it is to comprehensively support the development of the private sector, adopt a national jobs pact for the populace as well as ensure safety and health of workers.

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