NLC asks FG to persuade — NOT force — civil servants to take COVID vaccine

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the federal government to persuade workers to take the COVID-19 vaccine, rather than force them.

Ayuba Wabba, president of NLC, spoke on Monday during a COVID-19 vaccination advisory for federal civil servants in Abuja.

On October 13, the federal government announced that starting from December 1, civil servants who do not show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 result will be barred from government offices.

States like Kaduna and Edo have also announced compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for workers.

The move for compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for workers has been met with criticism.

Speaking on the development, Wabba said he understands that some people prefer to maintain caution with vaccination, but said it would be “foolhardy” to place caution above scientific evidence.

The NLC president encouraged civil servants to take the COVID-19 vaccine, noting that it has given the world a better chance of fighting the pandemic.

“I understand some people prefer to view COVID-19 vaccination with caution. Yes, it is important to proceed on issues of public health with great caution,” Wabba said.

“Yet, it would be foolhardy to elevate caution above scientific evidence and facts from public health records.

“The truth is that despite being imperfect, the COVID-19 vaccine has given all of us a better chance of fighting the virus and staying alive.

“I urge workers all over the world to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccines and keep themselves, their families and their colleagues at work safe and free from the morbid threats of the corona pandemic.

“We urge the government and other employers of labour to make special arrangements for workers to access the vaccine at the workplace.

“We urge that the tool of persuasion and conviction be used rather than force to get workers and the general populace to take the vaccine.”