Food union wants expatriates to undergo COVID-19 test

The National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), has emphasized the need for expatriates to submit themselves to COVID-19 test in order to avoid outbreak of the virus in the sector.

The union, which called on the Federal Government to mandate the expatriates and their relatives to subject themselves to the test, revealed that majority of them just returned to the country after vacation, and may pose as dangers to Nigerians working with them.

President of the union, Lateef Oyelekan, who emphasized the importance of the food sector to the economy, said the industry could not afford to shut down at this period of the economy, as most companies are still working skeletally.

He said since the sector is part of workers on essential duties, the need for the expatriates to undergo coronavirus test cannot be over-emphasized.

The Labour chief insisted that NUFBTE as a union is after protecting the interest and welfare of its members and would not allow them to be exposed unnecessarily.

Oyelekan commended workers, who despite the present health challenges, have continued to be on duty to ensure that Nigerians’ needs are well catered for.

He said: “We commend all our members doing great work at this period because without food, other problems may arise. The importance of food is vital to human existence, even to recover from ill health and that’s why I want to appeal to government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the less privileged in the society with food.”