Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of the organised labour, promoting inclusive economic policies, and advancing wage reforms. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu remains dedicated to fostering a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem in the country.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, and Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, Shettima praised Nigeria’s vibrant labour movement for its significant role in national development.
Key Points from Vice President Shettima’s Speech:
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Commitment to Workers’ Welfare: Shettima acknowledged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for its commitment to workers’ rights and expressed the government’s support for fair wages and a thriving workforce. He highlighted that the national minimum wage had been raised, with many states exceeding the agreed N70,000 threshold.
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Youthful Population as an Advantage: Shettima pointed to Nigeria’s youthful demographic, with an average age of just 16.9 years, as a critical asset. He noted that by 2050, Nigeria will become the third most populous country globally, surpassing the United States, and the government is working to transform this demographic potential into a “demographic dividend” through appropriate policies and investments in skills development.
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Digital Literacy and Future Workforce: Emphasizing the importance of equipping Nigeria’s youth for the global economy, Shettima pointed out that young Nigerians are digitally more literate than previous generations, positioning them to seize new opportunities in the evolving job market. He assured the ILO delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that youth are prepared for the future workforce.
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Continued Engagement with Labour Partners: Shettima reiterated that the government would continue to engage with social partners in the labour movement to achieve meaningful progress and growth. He emphasized the partnership between the government, labour organisations, and other stakeholders in building a stronger Nigeria.
ILO Director-General Houngbo’s Remarks:
Mr. Houngbo thanked Vice President Shettima for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of his visit to Nigeria, particularly following the country’s leadership of the ILO Board of Directors from June 2023 to June 2024. He commended Nigeria’s support for his election as ILO Director-General, noting that Nigeria’s mobilisation of African constituents was instrumental to his success.
Houngbo also appealed to the Nigerian government to expedite the finalisation of the reform of the country’s labour code and called for the revival of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), a forum for social dialogue among Nigeria’s tripartite constituents. He stressed that reviving the NLAC would be highly beneficial for Nigeria’s dynamic labour market and its role in Africa.
Additional Government Support and Discussions:
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National Labour Advisory Council: Houngbo underscored the importance of the NLAC as a platform for dialogue among government, employers, and labour unions. He urged the Vice President’s support to revive the council to help address labour market issues effectively.
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Participants in the Meeting: The meeting was attended by several key figures, including the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Dr. Salihu Usman; and the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Silas Agara. Representatives from various labour unions, such as the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), were also present.