Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has lauded Labour Correspondents on their significant role as strategic partners, which enable the Ministry of Labour and Employment to actualiise their mandate and deliver on their services.
Dingyadi stated this in his remarks at the maiden get-together with Labour Correspondents in his office in Abuja. His words: “I enlist your support to give significant visibility to the programmes and activities of the Ministry. You understand the importance of communicating the activities of government to the public to avoid misperception. I crave your support in this direction.
“My agenda for the Ministry is to strive to actualise every aspect of the Ministry’s mandate, and with diligence and your collaboration, it will come to fruition.
He further stated: “This short engagement is for the dual-purpose of breaking the ice and bonding with you, as well as wishing you a wonderful end to the year.
“Permit me, at this point, to say a few things about the policy direction of the ministry, under my leadership and that of the Honourable Minister of State for Kabour and Employment. Often, when people talk about this ministry, a lot of people outside there think that our job is only to register and regulate the activities of trade unions and conciliate labour disputes.
“Under my leadership, we intend to consolidate on the achievements already made on the second leg of our mandate, which is Employment. We do not offer jobs here. Our duty is to create policies and programmes that facilitate job creation in both the public and the private sectors. My predecessors, including the Minister of State with me here, have started doing that. Some of you were all at the opening ceremony of the Abuja Job Fair 2024, where we reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.
“Like I said at the Fair, the President is poised and committed to not only tackling the symptoms of joblessness, but also addressing its root causes, by fostering a culture of skill development, innovation, and sustainability. Of course, you know that job creation is key among the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
“We can not pretend about the fact that youth unemployment remains high, and millions of capable Nigerians face barriers to achieving their full potential. The situation is not peculiar to Nigeria or Africa, though, but a global phenomenon.
“We already have a roadmap for the future of work in Nigeria as encapsulated in the theme of the job fair, “Empowering Nigerian Workforce with Green and Digital Skills.” The green economy raises the demand for sustainable skills, with industries in the energy and agriculture sectors, among others, adopting more environmentally conscious practices.
“This transition is not just about protecting our planet. It is also about creating new industries, new jobs, and a workforce prepared to lead in a sustainable future.
“The skills needed to thrive in today’s labour market have been rapidly evolving, with advancements in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cyber security. So, we are emphasising on the development of these digital skills.
“The programmes already in place are going to be sustained, while new ones will be created.
“We will also continue to prioritize the promotion of industrial peace and harmony. Just a few days ago, the federal government and other relevant stakeholders in the labour sector validated the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) for promoting industrial peace and harmony in the country. This is a significant milestone.
“This journey was kick-started by my predecessors, but I am delighted that it came to fruition under my leadership in the ministry. We expect that the development of this policy will further strengthen the cordial relationship between this Ministry and the various labour unions, as well as employers in our conduct of industrial relations practice.
“Our administration has zero tolerance for unhealthy labour practices, including child labour and irregular labour migration. Working with local and international partners, all these are going to be confronted headlong while we are here.
“There are other things that we have done since we came, but I cannot say all of them here because this meeting is not for long speeches but for us to acclimatise, to know and understand each other. I intend to make this meeting a regular affair within my stay here.
“I must not fail to mention that the Ministry is poised to launch the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a strategy for creating more employment opportunities. The initiative is projected to train and equip 2.5 million people annually within the next four years with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital age. This project is being driven by the Minister of State, and necessary committees have been set up to organize the launching of the programme soon.
“My door is always open to the media. I intend to sustain this open-door policy. In fact, it is not only for the media but also for everybody, including our social partners, the labour unions, and their employers.
“Under my watch, no aspect of the mandate of the Ministry would be left unattended to. They will all receive optimal attention.
Earlier, the Honourable Minister lauded the Labour Correspondents on their professionalism and dedication to their art. His words: “I am delighted to host you today. Right from the day that I assumed office, I have expressed the desire to sit down with you, in an informal setting, to get acquainted with you. I have been told beautiful things about the reporters on this beat – responsible, cultured, professional, and dedicated to their art. I have also been told that as a body and individually, you go to a great length to protect the integrity of this ministry. I commend you for that and for other efforts you make to protect the Ministry against bad press. I thank you sincerely.
“It is my utmost desire that you will also accord me the support and acceptance you accorded my predecessors. I wish that we will work in an atmosphere of harmony and friendship, with a collective desire to move the country forward as compatriots, “he also added.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Head, Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry, Patience Onuobia noted that the Minister called for this rapport-building engagement “to say hello, to make your acquaintance, and to set the right tone for your relationship with him. I can say we are off to an auspicious start.
“The Minister understands media relations; he understands public relations. With him in the saddle, you’re in good hands.
“The Honourable Minister,
These are the Labour correspondents, sir. They’ve been with us come hell or high water, even when the centre appears not to hold. I would describe them as friends for all seasons.
“Through the years I’ve been here, they’ve been steadfast in protecting the Ministry, not vilifying us in any way, supportive, advising on how to navigate some delicate issues.
“Being out there in the field, they get to know certain things before we do, alerting us when trouble is brewing, so we could hear it off the pass. They step up to the plate and go out on a limb for us, on occasion.
“Some are in print, some in broadcast, some have strong social media/online presence; whatever turf they occupy, they are masters of their game.
“I’m happy you requested to meet them, to say hello, to commend them on their efforts, and to get the ball rolling on giving adequate publicity to the Ministry’s programmes and activities”,she also added.
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