The Nigerian government has expressed its dedication to not only addressing the manifestations of unemployment but also tackling the underlying causes of this issue.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi stated this in Abuja on Wednesday during an interactive meeting with members of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria LACAN.
During the meeting convened at the request of the Minister, he articulated that the Ministry aims to accomplish its objectives by promoting 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.
“Under my leadership, we intend to consolidate the achievements already made on the second leg of our mandate, which is Employment.
“We do not offer jobs here. We must create policies and programmes that facilitate job creation in both the public and the private sectors,” Dingyadi said.
Referencing the Job Fair held by the Ministry in November this year, the Minister stressed the importance of skills acquisition in addressing unemployment, especially among the youth.
“As 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.
“We can not pretend about the fact that youth unemployment remains high, and millions of capable Nigerians face barriers to achieving their full potential.”
He stated, however, that the situation is not unique to Nigeria or Africa, but rather constitutes 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,” the Minister said.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction in hosting the members of LACAN to establish a partnership that will effectively communicate the activities of the Ministry and the government to the public in a clear and precise manner.
“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 said.
The Minister also commended LACAN for what he called its “significant role as our strategic partners in actualising our mandate and delivering on our service.”
He further called for support from the media to give significant visibility to the programmes and activities of the Ministry adding that his agenda is to strive to actualise every aspect of the Ministry’s mandate.
“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 the achievements already made on the second leg of our mandate, which is Employment.
“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.
“We can not pretend about the fact that youth unemployment remains high and millions of capable Nigerians face barriers to achieving their full potential.”
According to him, the transition is not just about protecting the planet but 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 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,” the Minister said.
Welcoming LACAN members to the Ministry, the Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Patience Onuobia, said the Minister called for the “rapport-building engagement to say hello, to make your acquaintance, and to set the right tone for your relationship with him.
“The Minister understands media relations; he understands public relations, with him in the saddle, you’re in good hands,” she said.
She described the Labour Correspondents attached to the Ministry as friends who have been dedicated to covering, reporting and writing activities of the Ministry in their various media organisations.
“Honourable Minister, these are the Labour correspondents, sir.
“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 herd 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,” Mrs Onuobia stated.
Acting Chairman LACAN, Patrick Abulu in his response, thanked the Minister for the parley saying that it is a good way to start a ” beautiful and sustainable relationship.”
He called on the Minister to operate an open-door administration and give quick responses and clarification to issues whenever the need arises.
“This meeting Honourable Minister is telling us as members of LACAN that we are one of your partners in telling the story of Nigeria just as NLC, TUC, NECA and the ILO are your partners.
“We appreciate this gesture and promise that we will play our part in this partnership,” he said.
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