- She reiterated the federal government’s dedication to uplifting the youth through impactful training programs
In a statement from Gabriel Emameh, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister expressed commitment to collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) during a meeting with NECA representatives in Abuja.
Emameh explained that the discussions centered around training, skills development, and fostering social relationships between the government, organized labor, and the private sector.
Minister Onyejeocha acknowledged NECA’s pivotal role in labor and employment relations policy and emphasized the importance of government-private sector synergy to enhance efforts in reducing unemployment. She reiterated the federal government’s dedication to uplifting the youth through impactful training programs.
“We need to look out for people who are willing to be employed and skilled. I charge you to look at the areas where we can achieve these goals because I want a situation where we can work in synergy
“I also want to thank you for your offer of collaboration and capacity building. I have keyed into the mission and vision of NECA.
“And this is because I have always seen myself as every Nigerian out there, and I feel what they pass through. We should all be on the same page.
“We must create an environment where everyone fits in. We must work very hard to make sure that we create employment for the unemployed. We will work with you 100 per cent because we are partners in progress”.
The minister, who also spoke about the safety of workers, said that the ministry would go tough on erring factory operators in the country.
“We are going to review the operations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department of the Ministry of Labour and Employment because we must have a template. This is one area I want you to come into, too.
“We will have to look into what some people are raising as factory, where Nigerian workers are being exposed to all forms of danger.
“Not every structure should be called or used as factory. We are not only going to deal with employment, but the environment where Nigerian workers are employed.
“Factories should have a physician, convenience and restaurants because every Nigerian worker has a right to life. We must always put into consideration the employees’ safety wherever they are employed,” she added.
Ms Onyejeocha further said that it was time to think outside the box and engage social partners that would help the federal government succeed.
She added that the unemployment market was huge and the ministry would not take it for granted.