From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is set to launch the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a key initiative aimed at creating more job opportunities for youths and other citizens across the country.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during an interaction with Labour Correspondents. He revealed that the initiative, driven by the Ministry, aims to train and equip 2.5 million people annually over the next four years, providing them with the necessary skills and tools to thrive in the digital age.
Dingyadi stated that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment is leading the efforts, and committees have already been set up to organize the launch of the programme in the near future.
Under his leadership, Dingyadi emphasized that the Ministry’s policy direction is not only to register and regulate trade union activities but also to address labour disputes. He stressed that the Ministry aims to build upon its achievements, particularly in the area of employment.
“The Ministry does not directly offer jobs. Instead, our responsibility is to create policies and programmes that foster job creation in both the public and private sectors,” he explained.
The Minister commended the Labour Correspondents for their professionalism and dedication, particularly in protecting the Ministry against misinformation and fake news. He called on them to continue partnering with the Ministry in an atmosphere of harmony and collaboration, highlighting the important role they play in communicating government activities to the public.
“I appreciate your significant role as strategic partners in actualizing our mandate and delivering our services. I enlist your support in giving significant visibility to the Ministry’s programmes and activities. You understand the importance of communicating government activities to the public to avoid misperception. I seek your continued support in this regard,” he stated.
Dingyadi outlined his agenda for the Ministry, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the media to help realize its mandate. “My agenda for the Ministry is to strive to actualize every aspect of the Ministry’s mandate, and with your collaboration, we will achieve this,” he said. He also noted that the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the relationship between the Ministry and the media, as well as to wish the correspondents a wonderful end to the year.
Discussing the Ministry’s policy direction, Dingyadi pointed out that many people mistakenly think the Ministry’s role is only to regulate trade unions and mediate labour disputes. “Under my leadership, we will build on the achievements of my predecessors, particularly in employment. We do not offer jobs directly. Instead, we create policies and programmes that enable job creation in both sectors.”
He further highlighted that job creation is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly addressing the root causes of unemployment. He emphasized the importance of skill development, innovation, and sustainability in job creation, mentioning that youth unemployment remains a significant challenge not only in Nigeria but globally.
“We already have a roadmap for the future of work in Nigeria, as reflected in the theme of the 2024 Abuja Job Fair: ‘Empowering the Nigerian Workforce with Green and Digital Skills.’ The green economy is creating new industries and jobs while fostering environmentally conscious practices,” he said. He added that the demand for digital skills is growing rapidly, with fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity playing an increasingly important role.
The Minister noted that the Ministry would continue to prioritize the promotion of industrial peace and harmony. “Just a few days ago, the Federal Government and other stakeholders validated the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), which will promote industrial peace and harmony in the country. This is a significant milestone that started with my predecessors but has now come to fruition under my leadership.”
Dingyadi also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing unhealthy labour practices, including child labour and irregular labour migration, in collaboration with local and international partners.
While acknowledging the progress made so far, Dingyadi emphasized that the Ministry has more to achieve, but he intends to keep such meetings brief to foster better understanding and cooperation with the media. He affirmed that he intends to make these meetings a regular part of his tenure.
The Ministry, Dingyadi reiterated, is prepared to launch the LEEP programme, which aims to train and equip 2.5 million individuals annually over the next four years, providing them with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital age. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment is spearheading this initiative, and committees have been set up for the upcoming launch.
“My door will always be open to the media. I am committed to maintaining this open-door policy, not just for the media but for all our social partners, including labour unions and their employers,” Dingyadi concluded. “Under my leadership, no aspect of the Ministry’s mandate will be neglected. Every area will receive the attention it deserves.”
