The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, has urged members of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN) to ensure accurate and timely reportage of labour-related issues.
Shoretire made the call at a one-day capacity-building training for LACAN members in Abuja.
Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary said the workshop came at a time when labour and employment issues occupied a significant place in national discourse.
“The world of work is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancement, artificial intelligence, changing patterns of employment, demographic shifts, evolving industrial relations, and emerging concerns around social protection and decent work,” Shoretire explained.
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He noted that labour reporting went beyond coverage of strikes, wage negotiations, industrial disputes and meetings between government and organised labour.
“It requires a sound understanding of labour laws, industrial relations, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, social security, employment policies and the responsibilities of the various actors in the world of work.” He stressed.
Shoretire described a well-informed labour reporter as an important bridge between government, employers, workers, trade unions and the general public.
He said the media remained a powerful instrument for informing and educating the public and shaping public opinion, adding that accurate and responsible reporting could promote constructive dialogue and contribute to industrial peace and harmony.
“In the same vein, inaccurate, incomplete or sensational reporting of sensitive labour matters can create misunderstanding, heighten tension and undermine ongoing efforts at reconciliation.” The Permanent Secretary cautioned.
He stressed the need for labour reporters to approach their profession with accuracy, fairness and objectivity, while distinguishing between facts, allegations, opinions and interpretations.
“One of the key objectives of this workshop is to strengthen the capacity of Labour Reporters to report labour and employment issues with greater depth, professionalism and accuracy.” Shoretire said.
He expressed optimism that the training would provide participants with opportunities to interact with experts and practitioners who would share knowledge and practical experiences on contemporary labour issues.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to take full advantage of the sessions, ask questions, exchange ideas and develop professional networks beyond the workshop.
He described the media as a strategic partner in promoting sound labour administration and industrial peace, saying the Ministry welcomed constructive journalism that held institutions accountable while providing the public with balanced and reliable information.
Shoretire urged journalists to keep pace with emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and its impact on employment, the gig and platform economy, social security, migration and labour mobility, occupational safety and health, skills development and the future of work.
“These issues require specialised knowledge and responsible communications.” He noted.
The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry remained committed to strengthening engagement with the media and ensuring that relevant information on government policies, programmes and interventions in the labour and employment sector was made available to the public through appropriate channels.
He also stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the labour sector, describing the workshop as part of a broader effort to strengthen professional labour journalism and improve public understanding of labour and employment matters.
“I urge the participants to use the knowledge acquired here to enhance the quality of their reports and contribute positively to national development,” Shoretire said.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit of the Ministry, resource persons and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
Welcoming participants, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms Ann Daniel, described the workshop as timely, considering the dynamic nature of the world of work and the role of the media in promoting public understanding of labour matters.
Daniel said labour reporting went beyond the dissemination of information, describing it as a bridge between government policies, workers, employers and the general public.
“The media remains an indispensable partner in advancing industrial harmony, promoting decent work, and ensuring that labour-related issues are communicated accurately, fairly, and responsibly,” Daniel stressed.
She noted that labour reporters played an important role in shaping public discourse on employment, workplace relations, social security, occupational safety and health, labour migration and social dialogue.
The Head of Press and Public Relations said the training was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and build their capacity to report labour and social security matters effectively, while providing an opportunity for meaningful interaction.
Daniel thanked the Permanent Secretary for facilitating the training and expressed confidence that its deliberations and outcomes would strengthen the partnership between the media and labour institutions.
Participants were also enlightened on the functions of various departments of the Ministry by the directors in charge of the departments.
The Chairman of LACAN, Mr Abulu Osemuaghu, thanked the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary and the Public Relations Department for organising the training, saying the knowledge acquired would help labour correspondents improve their reporting.
Osemuaghu appealed for the training to become a regular programme rather than a one-off event, noting that the world of work continued to evolve.
