NUFBTE charges FG to checkmate use of robots, sophisticated machines by companies

By allcitynews.ng

Concerned by rapid and mass involvement of multinational firms across the country in use of machines thereby reducing employment of human beings in accomplishing their tasks, the National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) President, Comrade Lateef Oyelekan, has called on Federal Government to prevail on companies, especially multinational companies to checkmate them against use of robots and other sophisticated machines.

Comrade Oyelekan who likewise commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his instruction to checkmate the use of expatriates in the country, however expressed his displeasure over the floating of that instructions, noting that most manufacturing companies are now engaging foreigners for tasks which ordinarily should be done by Nigerians.

“But based on lack of proper monitoring, that order is not receiving total compliance. Most firms are violating that order by employing foreigners especially in hospitality sector where one can see foreigners doing the work of washing of dishes in hotels.”

In the same vein, he noted that  Buhari-led administration without mincing words has exhibited uncommon sense of urgency and responsiveness in addressing plights of manufacturers in our sector as expressly demonstrated by the approval granted for moratorium period for local sourcing of tomato paste and vegetable fat which made it possible for the concerned manufacturers to effectively embark on aggressive backward integrations and locally source their materials at our union’s instance, he is of the belief that Buhari will place more order to consolidate on his past achievements.”

Furthermore he lamented that most factories are now using robots and modern equipment, which are capable of doing the jobs of 200 people thereby such companies will throw off workers because of use of machines.

“Most of the companies, especially, the multinational companies under the guise of COVID-19 lockdown, he been engaging sophisticated machines and robots which are capable of carrying out the functions of over 200 workers. This is a threat against the plan of Federal Government to reduce unemployment in the country. If one machine or robot can do the job meant for 200 workers, then, many factories will no longer employ people again.

“ We need to create more jobs to take care of many unemployed Nigerians. Thus government needs to look at critically because with our population, we are not matured enough to use robots in our factories.”

It would be recalled that the Executive Order 5 is made up of 18 sections covering various headings: Preferences, Accreditation, contract award, Language of contract, capacity development, Disqualification from contract award; Database of experts in Nigeria among others.

Then, President Muhammadu Buhari gave instructions over application of Order 5 that says all jobs that Nigerians can conveniently do should not be given to expatriates.