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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong and Minister of State for the Ministry, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, have pledged decent work and remuneration for workers in Nigeria as they assume office on Monday.
Speaking to heads of agencies in Abuja a few hours after their inauguration, Lalong said his administration would ensure that workers get value for their labour and operate in a safe and conducive environment.
The former Plateau State Governor, said the ministry shall be working closely with the Organised Labour, and their affiliates to ensure that all pending industrial disputes are settled amicably, address the new minimum wage as well as other palliatives arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
He noted that the Ministry would leverage on Technology, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and agriculture, among others to open up more employment opportunities for all Nigerians.
He further promised to escalate relations with the private sector, development partners, and international agencies, among others to ensure that unemployment and underemployment are reduced to the barest minimum.
According to him, “This is a call to service, and we shall do everything within our power to give our best in assisting the President fulfill his Renewed Hope Agenda for a better Nigeria. Nigerians have trusted President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima with their mandate, and therefore expect a better nation where their dreams and aspirations will be fulfilled.
“The President has, in turn, mandated us to handle the very important aspects of Labour and Employment, which are critical to national development and prosperity.
“The task is certainly enormous but achievable, especially with the abundant human resources Nigeria is endowed with. We therefore need your support and understanding to succeed.
“Under my stewardship, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will fulfill its mandate of ensuring decent work for all Nigerians and making sure that our citizens particularly the youth and women get the opportunity to deploy their energy, creativity, talent and gifts to the development of the nation.
“We shall therefore mobilise and deploy all the resources of the Ministry towards ensuring that the matters relating to Labour and Employment are galvanised across relevant MDAs and sectors of the economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Our workers must get value for their labour and operate in a safe and conducive environment.
“Because of the level of unemployment, underemployment, and challenges associated with the work environment, we have been mandated by Mr. President to ensure that Nigerians get decent employment and are adequately remunerated for their labour both in the public and private sectors. We shall not spare any effort to protect the Nigerian worker and guarantee his dignity at all times.
“The Government does not take this for granted and Mr. President has directed that we move on with negotiations to arrive at amicable resolutions that will make our workers overcome the current pains.
“In the coming weeks, we shall unveil detailed plans of President Tinubu’s vision for Labour and Employment and also spell out the role that the Ministry and its agencies, development partners and Nigerians in general will play in actualizing it. We shall be engaging all relevant partners and receiving briefings towards a robust performance.”
