The National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has urged the Federal Government to adopt value-adding strategies that would help revamp the economy post Covid-19.
Babatunde Olatunji, NUCFRLANMPE president made the call during the 6th quadrennial delegate conference held Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The conference has as its theme “Covid-19: issues, challenges and way forward in the industry”
Olatunjj said that rather than export local commodities and resources in their raw forms, government should adopt method that would improve the economy and safe it from going into recession.
According to him, if government will adequately invest into mining, agriculture and manufacturing the sectors will improved the economy and create more employment.
“The monolithic nature of Nigeria economy for years has paved way for backwardness: petroleum is not enough, we urgently need diversification of the economy for growth and development,” he said.
The union president further called on the Federal Government to upgrade the country’s health facilities to cater for the wellbeing of the people.
“If Covid-19 has not been a global challenge and international flights allowed to operate, many political leaders infected with the virus would have travelled abroad for medical attention.
“But they are compelled to use health facilities meant for commoners. Political leaders should have a rethink and upgrade the country’s health facilities to meet international standards”, Olatunji said.
He said it was regrettable that the poor economic situation was made worse by the advent of the coronavirus.
He appealed to the government to look into border closure which was negatively affecting exportation of local produce and also tackle insecurity to encourage investors.
Femi Oke , executive secretary, Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation (CANMPEF), in his goodwill message said that Covid-19 has affected all aspect of human lives ranging from loss of jobs to high cost of living.
Oke said that companies in Nigeria found it difficult to get raw materials during the period which had led to high cost of production, distribution and poor purchasing power of the citizens.
He called on government to support the citizens in the area of job creation to alleviate their suffering and also rekindle its decision on petroleum pump price increment and electricity tariff hike.
New national officers were re-elected at the delegate conference to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years, pledging to serve with almost sincerity and loyalty. NAN
