Minister promises to fast-track amendment of obsolete labour laws

From Fred Itua, Abuja

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has tasked directors within the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to spearhead the development of new initiatives in the ministry.

The minister, while noting that the responsibility for shaping the future of labour initiatives falls squarely on the shoulders of the directors, maintained that a complete overhaul of the ministry’s approach to work was essential.

Onyejeocha stated this, yesterday, during a roundtable meeting with directors of the various departments under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The meeting convened by the minister, aimed to gather updates from department heads and mentally equip them for implementation of the performance bond mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister emphasised the commitment of the Tinubu’s administration to deliver on its campaign promises.

She said: “The president has mandated us to be bold to take decisions that would enable us to deliver on our mandates. “Nobody will come to do this job for us. We can’t afford to wait. This ministry has the core mandate of creating employment and relieving the country of poverty. We are not here only to settle disagreement between or among unions.

“There is the need to close the gaps of inefficiency and be functional. Taking responsibility and ensuring the ministry is meeting up with expectations and duties.

“We do not have any option than to deliver the mandate of the president. We have a collective responsibility of ensuring the Renewed Hope Agenda is successful, and Nigerians must see our performance. There is an urgent need for teamwork and collaboration. Your job is to impact the lives of the citizens.

“We must put our strength in working to change the narrative. Our duty is to create jobs and reduce poverty in the country.”

She urged them not to look at the size of the ministry budget but must focus on measurable outcomes.

“Achieving our objectives is what will elevate the ministry’s role in governing. We must establish regular management meetings for evaluation purposes. We must put our strength in changing the narratives. We must also work on our data. If we don’t understand the primary objective of our mandate, we cannot deliver.

“The task ahead was going to be tough because of the standard she has set, she urged the directors to come up with ideas to make the work easy for all. Put your best in whatever you do no matter your position. Wherever we see ourselves, we should understand that life matters, and negligence can cost a life if not lives. When we do not do our work, it affects not just somebody but the society.”

Recognising the need for updated regulations, the minister vowed to prioritise revising outdated labour laws, starting with the occupational safety and health department of the ministry.

She said the meeting was more than just a call for new initiatives. It was a call for ownership, accountability, and a shared vision for a transformed Ministry of Labour and Employment.