NECA Seeks Concerted Action On Economy

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to pull the economy away from the downward slide.

The Director-General of NECA, Dr Timothy Olawale, while responding to a damning economic report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday, said: “The economic data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is a call to urgent action. The economic contraction, leaving GDP growth rate at -6.10% is not only alarming but also worrisome.”

He said while it was expected that the Covid-19 pandemic would create economic shock and disrupt business activities, recent releases have shown that the level of shock and disruption was highly underestimated.

While shedding light on the realities and consequences of the economic slide, the NECA boss said, “It is highly worrisome that the economy is facing unusual times, similar to the pre-2016 recession. A period of increasing inflation, unprecedented high youth unemployment and underemployment rate, the dwindling value of the naira occasioned by limited access to foreign exchange and a negative growth rate.”

Olawale urged the government to “take a bold step in stopping the slide by refocusing monetary and fiscal policies to support economic sectors that have potentials for large scale production and employment as a means to kick-start the economy.

Sports facilities and recreational parks in residential estates are permitted to operate with a maximum of 20 persons - Lagos State Government

We also have some updated guidelines for certain types of businesses and parks. 

Hair salons that have been accredited by the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) are to continue strictly on appointment-only and with a maximum occupancy of 50 per cent of the total space.

Sports facilities and recreational parks in residential estates are permitted to operate with a maximum of 20 persons at any given time depending on size. 

However, places of worship, events centres, and social clubs will remain closed until further notice.

Some of these decisions are hard for us but we must prioritise for the greater good and protection of our residents. 

Using a facemask is mandatory in public places. We are asking offices, businesses and commercial premises to refuse entry to any person not wearing a mask.

This year, COVID19 has disrupted our businesses and schools. For our students in SSS3 and TEC3, we have some important news. 

In line with the updated guidelines from the Presidential Task Force on #COVID19, they will resume on August 3 to prepare for mandatory public exams.

This resumption will be strictly monitored and must follow established public health guidelines and protocols in the State. The permission to re-open only applies to day-schools. Boarding activities are excluded.

Instructions for JSS3 will come soon as we continue to consult.

Pupils in Primary Six will be graded by their already recorded Continuous Assessment (CA) to pass over to secondary schools.

Our tertiary institutions are to continue their online academic activities which are at various advanced stages.

PTF Asks Businesses, Schools, Worship Places Andothers, To Prepare For Reopening

The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus response has asked businesses, offices, professional bodies, places of worship and educational institutions, awaiting reopening to use the additional two weeks to plan and adopt new strategies under a COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines, for the new life ahead.

Chairman of the PTF COVID-19 and Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, speaking at the daily briefing on Tuesday, also urged Nigerians to prepare for “behavioral change” which he said ” is a must for every citizen because COVID-19 has changed the world completely”

Mustapha who assured that the PTF COVID-19 is committed and determined to continue to provide the required leadership for this national response, added that in the coming days, intense consultations will be deepened with different segments of the society including the state governments, security agencies, religious and community leaders to ensure a coordinated implementation of the measures.

He reiterated that specific directives have been issued to security agencies to strictly enforce the measures, and admonish Nigerians to please observe the restrictions in full.

He also assured essential workers such as the frontline medical personnel, the media, the environmental health workers, farmers and agro-related service providers, oil and gas services, aviation, the power sector, amongst others that they will be adequately protected.

“Your obligation is to always carry a valid means of identification.

“I am happy to inform you that our risk communication strategy has been enhanced by the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN).

“The professional body has offered the services of its members pro bono to the PTF, in order to strategically and effectively communicate with more Nigerians on the pandemic.

Mustapha said the PTF will leverage on existing community structures and assets right down to the ward level to push through a massive public awareness campaign aimed at ensuring voluntary community engagement and ownership of the fight, consistent with its community engagement strategy,

He reminded all Nigerians that the ravaging force of the virus does not discriminate on the basis of status, creed, political persuasion, profession or where you come from.

“Now is the time to avoid any distraction from whatever quarters and all hands must be and remain on deck. On our part, we assure Nigerians of our commitment to accountability, diligence and probity.”