By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has directed Abubakar Fikpo to take over as the Acting Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

The directive, which takes effect from Monday, December 7, 2020, authorises Fikpo to take over the running of the agency in acting capacity, pending ratification by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Fikpo replaces Nasiru Ladan Argungu, who was fired last Friday in an announcement by the Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu.

In a letter to Fikpo, dated December 8, 2020, titled: “Appointment as Acting Director General of National Directorate of Employment,” Keyamo said: “Following the directive of Mr. President relieving Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu as the Director General of National Directorate of Employment, you are hereby directed to take over as the Acting Director General of the agency pending ratification by Mr. President.

“This is to ensure there is no vacuum in the administration of the agency.”