Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, to address concerns of alleged mismanagement and work towards reconciliation for the advancement of the institute.
Speaking during a peace and reconciliation meeting held at the MINILS headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State, the minister called on both the management and staff to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
Onyejeocha acknowledged the grievances raised by the institute’s staff over Aremu’s reappointment and the allegations against him, but reminded them that his appointment was a presidential prerogative. She stressed the importance of resolving internal conflicts through due process.
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The minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu Usman; Director-General of Trade Union Services, Falonipe Amos; and Director of Productivity and Labour Standards, Emmanuel Agbinosun. Together, they engaged with the protesting staff, assuring them that their concerns would be heard but urging restraint and adherence to procedure.
“Your right to express your grievances is not only recognised but is protected within the ethos of democratic governance,” she said.
“However, we must now look beyond contention and towards constructive engagement. The future of MINILS depends not on who leads, and indeed its reputation alone, but on how leadership and followership can work together to rebuild trust,” Onyejeocha added.
Addressing the DG directly, the minister called for a fresh start, saying, “I urge you to see this moment as a fresh opportunity, a chance to turn the page, to listen more attentively, to lead more inclusively, and to demonstrate, beyond words, your commitment to reform, development, and institutional harmony.”
She also appealed to staff at the meeting, including leadership and representatives of unions of the institute, reminding them of the institute’s mandate and legacy: “Let us now engage each other in dialogue rather than dispute, in solutions rather than standoffs.”
To resolve the crisis, the minister announced the formation of a “Joint Reconciliation and Performance Oversight Committee” comprising management and staff representatives.
The committee will address grievances, monitor leadership performance, and recommend reforms.
“Let us embrace this as a new beginning. Let our collective energy be channelled toward growth, innovation, and renewed purpose.”
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Salihu Usman, called for calm and assured the workers that no “allegation will be swept under the carpet.”
He added, “Where genuine grievances exist, mechanisms for redress will be activated. Therefore, I appeal to all staff to remain calm, cooperative, and open-minded.”