COVID-19: NLC Warns Buhari Against Lockdown Extension, Reveals What Would Likely Happen

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned President Muhammadu Buhari against any further extension of the lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had on Wednesday approved the implementation of a 14 days nationwide lockdown in the 36 states.

However, the NLC warned against such move, saying that the situation would get out hand if the lockdown exceeded one month.

Its president, Ayuba Wabba, gave the warning on Wednesday in a letter he addressed to the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha.

Wabba urged Buhari to consider the welfare of Nigerians, as well as insecurity before making any decision about prolonging the lockdown which may trigger social unrest and economic relapse.

““While we understand the public health imperatives for extending the lockdown in some parts of the country, it is also very important to underscore the fact that the states currently under total lockdown are the economic and administrative nerve centres of Nigeria.

“This is very dicey. As much as it is important to keep many Nigerians from dying in the hands of coronavirus, loss of income and the accompanying destitution can also be a pathfinder for numerous other sicknesses and deaths. This is the time to play the balancing game.

“The truth is that our economy might relapse into prolonged coma if the current lockdown in the nation’s nerve centres goes beyond the current extension.

“There were widespread acts of civil disobedience, inducement of law enforcement agents to gain passes and even various forms of violent crimes.

“No one is sure how long this dam would hold. We fear that the situation will get out of hand if the lockdown exceeds one month.

“While we commend government for being proactive, we opine that the stimulus package would be best served through consultation with social partners.

“Labour and private sector employers have a good understanding of industries where jobs and production are in most danger.”

KanyiDaily had reported that on 13 April, President Buhari extended the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja for an extra two weeks on top of the original time frame. As it stands, the lockdown will now last until midnight on 27 April.