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Tag: employment

  • Fed Govt inaugurates committee to boost employment

    Fed Govt inaugurates committee to boost employment

    The federal government has intensified its employment drive with the inauguration of the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Jubilee Programme (NJFP).

    NJFP, a Nigerian government initiative being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a seed investment from the European Union (EU), is coordinated by the office of the Vice President.

    It was established to address challenges confronting Nigerian graduates in accessing meaningful jobs, as well as develop, test and deploy a scalable model that would effectively assist in tackling the root causes of growing unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.

    Speaking on Monday while inaugurating the Steering Committee of the NJFP at the State House, Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the programme as a decisive step by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward equipping Nigerian youth with the required tools to become employees, innovators and leaders in their chosen careers.

    This was contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

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    The Vice President said “the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is more than just an employment initiative—it is a catalyst for broader engagement in youth-driven innovation, employability, and entrepreneurship. Programmes like this are a decisive step toward equipping our youth with the tools to become not just employees but also innovators and leaders in their respective fields.

    “The NJFP has clearly made commendable progress, and it is now time to build on that foundation to provide a wider coverage through innovative adaptations that ensure that this programme does not just provide job placements but also emphasizes the development of key skills through practical, real-world applications.

    “This is how we scale impact—by embedding long-lasting, transformative learning experiences into the programme structure”.

    Acknowledging that youth unemployment has remained a serious challenge in Nigeria, Senator Shettima implored stakeholders and development partners to act cooperatively to combat the menace before it destabilizes the nation’s future.

    “Unemployment remains a critical challenge for Nigeria, and youth unemployment is an even more pressing concern. As a government, we fully recognize the far-reaching consequences that economic downturns have on young people.

    His words: “Prolonged periods of unemployment or underemployment can hinder future income potential and significantly diminish career opportunities. This is precisely why today’s gathering is so important.

    “We cannot afford to delay; we must act collectively to tackle this issue before it severely undermines our future. It is therefore with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency that I convene this inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).”

    VP Shettima explained that his office directly coordinates the NJFP and some other crucial federal government initiatives, including Human Capital Development (HCD) programme, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) and the Expanded MSME Clinics programmes, because they are priorities for the Tinubu administration.

    The NJFP, he said, is more vital because Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of the youth, adding that everything must be done within to secure their success.

    He continued: “It is imperative that we focus on the long-term sustainability and scalability of the NJFP while further aligning the objectives of the programme with the overarching priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “To guarantee this, we must offer all support to ensure that NJFP is not only sustained but also expanded.  We will prioritise the counterpart financing to fulfill the government’s obligation and unlock more funding for the programme.”

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the federal government for its “unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing Nigerian human capital development, particularly youth development as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Admitting that “the Vice President’s leadership role on this has been very exemplary,” she recalled that since VP Shettima inaugurated the steering committee of the Human Capital Development programme a few weeks ago, many young Nigerians have been seen breaking barriers, opening up new frontiers based on their talent – not just locally but also on the global stage.

    “Young Nigerians are demonstrating to the world that they have the capacity and ingenuity to transform not just their own lives but also those of their communities and Africa at large. Nigeria does not carry last,” she stated.

    While thanking the European Union for supporting the programme to the tune of 44 million Euros, Ms. Elsie said the NJFP seeks to champion home-grown talent, connecting young Nigerians with local opportunities through twelve months of placement where they apply their expertise to gain market-ready skills.

    On his part, the European Union Head of Cooperation, Mr. Massino de Luca, said the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a flagship that generates pride and excitement, not only here in their Abuja office but also in the EU Headquarters.

    He maintained that youth involvement and focus remain the ace of the EU’s action in Nigeria, even as he said NJFP typifies the EU’s commitment to the youth agenda in Nigeria and the world.

    He said the fundamental aspect of the programme is finance sustainability which the EU has funded with 44 million Euros, adding Nigerians and European businesses have both benefited by the programme and since its inception, it has built strong relationships and partnerships as well as empower thousands of fellows.

    Shedding light on the impact of the programme on the Ministry of Youth Development, the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, said the NJFP is an initiative which aligns with the ministry’s initiative called the work-experience-programme where graduates are fixed into jobs and there is an opportunity to upscale and improve it with the NJFP programme.

    She said her Ministry has the agenda to create 10 million jobs by 2027, adding that as a ministry they cannot achieve that alone.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said a total of 3,100 youths have been trained, far below the estimated target, attributing it to a number of reasons, including COVID-19 and the transition process of the immediate past administration.

    “But seeing what the head of UNDP has brought in and the commitment of the EU, I am quite optimistic that we’ll do much more,” she added.

  • Equipping the youth for future employment

    Equipping the youth for future employment

    There is a notable gap between the skills imparted in educational institutions and the competencies sought by employers in an ever-evolving labor market. The rapid advancement of technology and changing industry demands compel both graduates and existing employees to consistently enhance their skill sets. Nevertheless, educational institutions face challenges, including limited funding, which hinder their ability to equip graduates with practical and relevant skills. DANIEL ESSIET reports that employers are increasingly adopting internship programmes as a viable solution, providing students and young professionals with valuable hands-on experience.

    The Future of Jobs Report published by the World Economic Forum  made forecast that by the year 2025, half of the workforce will need to undergo re-skilling as technology continues to advance. The report provides insights into the evolving job market and the skills required for the future, estimating that around 85 million jobs could be eliminated due to a reallocation of tasks between humans and machines.

    Additionally, it highlighted that for those who retain their jobs, 40 percent of fundamental skills are expected to change by 2025.

    The forum emphasised that the alignment of skills is vital for fostering business transformation. Implementing skills-based hiring can enable organisations to lead in innovation, allowing their business strategies to evolve in response to the intricacies of the future job market. This forward-thinking approach tackles labour shortages and skills gaps that restrict productivity and equity.

    Over the last 10 years, automation technologies have significantly transformed Africa’s labour market. This transformation has resulted in a substantial increase in the demand for new skills, prompting changes in recruitment processes, job titles, and job specifications.

    As traditional roles adapt and new industries arise, the urgency to reskill the workforce has intensified across various countries on the continent. The emergence of automation and artificial intelligence stands as a primary catalyst for this reskilling necessity. While these technologies offer remarkable opportunities for efficiency and innovation, they simultaneously disrupt established job roles, rendering certain skills obsolete and generating a need for new competencies.

    Consequently, addressing labour and skills shortages has become a critical priority for both governments and businesses across the continent, as these shortages may hinder the adoption of new technologies and diminish competitiveness.

    In projecting the demographic landscape of 2050, it is expected that a remarkable 25 per cent of the global population will be African. This statistic implies that one out of every four individuals on Earth will hail from Africa, with approximately two-thirds of this group being younger than 30 years old. This demographic expansion demands attention and presents both challenges and opportunities of an extraordinary nature.

    In Nigeria, the inconsistency present in the educational system is significantly contributing to the skills mismatch challenge, with many courses lacking essential components. This deficiency further aggravates youth unemployment and emphasised the urgent need for a strategic realignment to nurture a competitive workforce.

    Presently, employers are placing greater importance on soft skills, including effective communication, adaptability, customer focus, professionalism, and innovation, among others. These vital attributes, collectively referred to as ‘employability skills,’ play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s appeal within the competitive job market.

    However, analysts have counseled the government on the need to embrace a long-term approach to assess capacity and capability demands, devising strategies to bridge gaps.

    In response to this, states are beginning to consider the implementation of a digital-first culture that encourages innovation and sustains worker productivity and engagement.

    Given the current economic growth rate, Lagos represents a largely untapped talent pool that can be developed with future-ready skills and assimilated into the mainstream economy. This situation requires urgent attention through a unified effort between the public and private sectors.

    The government of Lagos is leveraging the knowledge and resources of international collaborators, which encompass major technology firms, emerging tech startups, and academic institutions. To tackle the existing skills gap, the government has formed alliances with local startups and large tech companies to provide training programmes focused on digital talent development.

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    In recent years, Lagos has witnessed remarkable advancements in technology, notably the integration of solar energy solutions and electric vehicles, creating new career pathways. These innovations necessitate a reformation in educational methodologies to ensure that the workforce demand is met and that university graduates are adequately equipped for future employment opportunities.

    For Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state needs to continue to find ways to move up the value-added chain to stay competitive, not just with other emerging market economies, but with advanced economies that may be increasingly equipped with technology.

    To this end, he   said the state is preparing its youth to take advantage of new opportunities through education and skills.

    Addressing the On Boarding Ceremony of participants of the year 2024 Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), the governor reiterated that empowering more youths helps the economy develop more.

    The governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said, the scope of skill development was continuously increasing across the state.

    Alongside the support for skills, he said a raft of measures will be put in place across government to enable youths unleash their potential to improve how we work.

    He said Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has equipped 2,500 graduates with employability and work-ready skills under GIPP.

    Participants  apart from earning N60,000 monthly as stipend have  an opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills, including entrepreneurial, digital, and technology competencies, earn professional certificates from the world’s leading companies, access hands-on learning with guided projects to master skills and stand out with employers, and ultimately explore the right career path.

    Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe believes Lagos is in a strong position to harness the power of technology to transform business in many aspects for the better. Crucial to this, according to him, is nurturing young talented people to respond to a broad spectrum of challenges in the workplace.

    Specifically on the graduates of the GIPP training, Ajigbotafe said they were selected through the CBT assessment, after which there was three-week intensive employability training with globally accepted certifications.

    Ajigbotafe noted that the programme was designed to provide selected individuals with an opportunity to expand their knowledge, create benefits from invaluable job experience and build valuable networks, while gaining practical, technical and administrative industry experience.

    He said: “The selected candidates will be placed on three-month internships in organisations based on the course of study, with a monthly stipend of N60,000 by the Lagos State Government.’’

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, stated that the government has established a foundation for youth development by prioritising the creation of growth opportunities and improving their involvement in empowerment initiatives.

    The agenda, according to him, is groom more youths to drive economic progress, and ensure that they excel in skills, and enhance quality of life.

    He noted, however, that collaboration between sectors is key to preparing young Nigerians for the skills demanded by the future world of work.

    During the event, business leaders collectively affirmed the need for a strengthened initiative in employability training to better the chances for prospective job seekers. They also emphasised the importance of partnership between the government and private enterprises to drive growth, establish new job opportunities, and facilitate entry for new participants in the labour market.

    For the Managing Partner, HCP, Mr Innocent Oseghe, GIPP offers immersive, foundational, and practical skills that are essential to securing a job after graduation.

    He pointed out that the internship programme offers participants valuable opportunities to transition into permanent employment at their respective placements.

    Oseghe highlighted that alongside technological advancements, there is an increasing necessity for skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

    He emphasised that such programmes are crucial for bridging the skills gap, improving workforce proficiency, encouraging lifelong learning, and ensuring relevance within the industry.

    The   Managing Director, Intermac, Mr Adesina Adeyemi, stressed the importance of developing skills that are aligned with success and relevance in today’s job market.

    He said 187 companies signed up to become uptakers of GIPP graduates for internship.  He said successful candidates will be placed with selected companies. After completing the internship, Adeyemi said there was a possibility of interns being retained, urging them to invest in future learning and be ready to deliver transformational change where they serve?

    The Director-General/Chief Executive at Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smart Oyerinde called for increased collaboration to bring public and private sectors together to future-proof labour markets, create good-quality employment opportunities and help people transition into the jobs of tomorrow.

    The global challenge of addressing youth unemployment has become increasingly daunting in the face of a growing economic recession. A significant factor contributing to this issue is the lack of adequate preparation among many recent graduates, who often lack the necessary skills and experience to successfully enter the job market. Additionally, young individuals frequently do not possess the competencies that employers are actively seeking. In this regard, Dr. Chinyere Almona, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), emphasised that the GIPP initiative has been instrumental in providing young people with vital opportunities to embark on their professional journeys.

    Represented by the Director of Training, Taiwo Alausa, the Director-General, further highlighted that skill development and the cultivation of employable youth are key areas where LCCI is eager to collaborate with the Lagos State government.

    A key element in their messages was the need for significant investment in skills to prepare youths for the jobs of the future.

    Students and organisations view internships as a major first step in the careers of young professionals, capable of contributing to the growth of the economy. The GIPP participants are already positioning themselves to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

    One of them is Hassan Surajudeen. He   explained that he was in the programme to find a good job at the end of his internship. His words: “I am a graduate of University of Lagos. I studied Early Childhood Education and am a beneficiary of GIPP. So far, I have learnt a lot during the training. It was loaded with a lot of skills information to enable us to become a first century set of graduates that will match the needs of the workplace. My expectation for today is that the programme will continue to help youth develop better employability skills and position them for job opportunities. I see more well-rounded youths emerging that can take up future national responsibilities.”

    From a career perspective, he feels his future depends on when he is able to secure a better job.

    Another participant, Precious Elizabeth Tiamiyu found the training sessions very enlightening. She believes she has developed the skill sets to take advantage of emerging job opportunities.

    “I studied Economics Education from Ekiti State University. I am a participant and beneficiary of this programme. I am expecting a transformational employability experience. I am hoping to utilise the skills that I have learnt from the internship to land a fulltime job. I expect a better job at the end of this training.”

  • FG hails Alo on employment, poverty alleviation

    FG hails Alo on employment, poverty alleviation

    The Federal Government has commended Prophet Sam Olu Alo for job creation and poverty eradication among Nigerians, particularly youths.

    The government said the cleric has distinguished himself in providing employment for youths, thereby, reducing poverty in the country.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the inauguration and dedication of Adamimogo House, which hosts the Adamimogo 105.1 FM and The Light Hotel and Event Centre owned by the preacher, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha stated that the man of God is decreasing kingdom of darkness and increasing the kingdom of God.

    She said: “That is exactly what he has done today. And also, from the seat which I occupy, you are making my job a bit easier, because I know that, you are doing all of these to ensure that poverty is reduced and employment are created. I know that many jobs have been created by this and poverty has been reduced.

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    “So, the Federal Government of Nigeria is excited to say to you keep doing what you have been doing you are not only imparting on the people but also to the Federal Government of Nigeria and you will because we are going to partner with you.

    “You are changing the narratives and we are thinking you for doing this. We shall be supporting you in any way we can.”

    She urged Nigerians to keep supporting the government with prayers.

    Alo said all that he has been doing was to impact on life of people, particularly the youths.

    “I want to give them the platforms to showcase their God given talents to better their lots.

    “Whatever position God has placed you, it is to affect lives of others positively. We should know that we have a limited time to spend on earth,” he stressed. 

    He urged the Federal Government to always train youths in various vocations and trades while buying back whatever they produce to encourage them.

    “This is the model I saw in Turkey. The government there, train the youth in whatever trade of their interest and buy from them their products. This encourages to continue in the trade,” he said..

  • FG to provide employment, loan to 100 trainees

    FG to provide employment, loan to 100 trainees

    The Federal Government, in partnership with Yikodeen Footwear Limited recently commenced free leatherwork training for 100 people in Lagos.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (SSATVEE), Abiola Arogundade, who was at the start of the training, stated that the programme aims to address youth unemployment in the country.

    Speaking after an inspection of Yikodeen’s facility at the opening ceremony in Isolo, Lagos, Arogundade said 50 percent of the beneficiaries would have the opportunity to be employed by the firm, while others will have access to a non-collateral loan.

    “After the training, out of the 100 beneficiaries, we will be employing 50 people directly to work in this factory, while the rest of the 50 people have access to non-collateral loans through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on job creation. The free training is for one month, everyday from Monday to Saturday,” she said.

    She reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to youth development and skill acquisition in improving economic growth.

    “Currently, the number of skilled workers of youth in Nigeria is 15%; we want to move that up to 50% from the low-skilled and the semi-skilled. We’re trying to push it up to create more economic activity in the country and increase the highly skilled population to 15%. So that’s one of the reasons why we put this program together.

    “We’re training in all 36 states including the FCT. Our methodology in our offices is that we do a labour audit across the state and find out what is profitable in that region. Then we train people on that scale as we’ve noticed that in this community leather is a big thing. Every month, we’re going to launch different programmes to meet our targets.”

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    On the partnership, the Managing Director of Yikodeen Factory, Atunde Shamsideen stated that the workshop would contribute to the societal goals of its firm, emphasizing the need for youth empowerment in nation-building.

    “Over the years, we’ve been trying to impact the community because we figured out that it would be very great to have a partnership with the government to see how we can make that impact go beyond our immediate community.

    “The training is a month-long training where the beneficiaries will get to understand the basics of footwear making on both industrial sides, how to use the machinery, and how to also produce shoes. So after that, we’re also taking them on finance and marketing courses because, as an entrepreneur, you need to understand numbers and sales. So it’s a mix of different things, not just footwear making,” he said.

    National Chairman, Cobblers and Leathers Artisans Association of Nigeria, Mosaku Ayodele urged the trainees to utilise the program’s opportunity to discover their talents by focusing on developing themselves after the workshop, adding that self-reliance is the key to success in life.

  • Still on revenue generation from expatriates’ employment

    Still on revenue generation from expatriates’ employment

    • By Diekola Modupe

    The media has been somewhat awash with reports about broadening the government’s income base. It is commonsensical to grow inflow, flowing from the extant, age-old, and probably weather-beaten desire to diversify the nation’s revenue source from oil. Agriculture, steel development, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, have among other sectors been proposed as future major determiners of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    In recent times, it has been partly pursuant to the promise of the Bola Tinubu administration to advance the GDP to one of a trillion-dollar economy in another seven years. While most of these plans are long-term, the short-term variants have come in the quest for the elusive portfolio investment, the recalibration of the payment system for improved effectiveness, and the latest talks around extending the contribution base of expatriates’ employment.

    To be sure, the expatriates are supposedly highly skilled workers, putatively hired to do jobs that local expertise cannot do, or rather hired because of the exotic preference of the employer, and provided they can handle the cost implication. For now, just around $2000 is expected to be paid by every expatriate annually as a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) fee. This is a statutory levy for permission to work.

    The new argument is that beyond this level are the untapped opportunities of getting more income from the nearly 200,000 expatriates in the country, which could fetch between $1.5 billion and $2 billion per annum, from the activities of the skilled men, in what is supposed to be different from what they presently pay, and which every other citizen pays.

    The plans are that if the nation needs to seek other ways of paying off its huge debt, manage its growing population, faced with declining resources and then mitigate the anxieties of filling the $3trillion gap required for its infrastructure in the next two decades, then it has to be much more creative and ingenious in raising revenue. The place of infrastructure cannot be overemphasized for being a tool for macro-economic stability, the creation of employment, enabling productivity and efficiency, social change and development of the rural areas, boosting trade and commerce and sustainable growth and development.

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    The other argument seems to be that the practice of making expatriates contribute more to a nation’s purse happens in countries like Singapore, Japan, and Cambodia, if to shore up the chances of locals, by discouraging foreign entrants into some sectors, where locals can thrive. There is also the question of nationalism, considering how migrants have become useful to many foreign economies even beyond what they pay, in addition to other huge financial commitments for naturalizations, and job-specific payments.

    If these are done in other places, why can’t there be some semblances here in Nigeria? What is more? The proposed obligations from the expatriates shall be because their income is locally generated and a central contribution is necessary given that they are presently only obligated to the states. In many situations where they are mobile, tracking their payments is difficult. But this could be resolved with the overarching obligation to the centre.

    As projected, an expatriate should be obligated on the aggregate amounts of his/her income for the year, from any salary, wage, fee, allowance or other gain or profit from employment including compensations, bonuses, premiums, benefits or other prerequisites allowed, given or granted by the employer to the expatriate.

    Other than the factors highlighted, the need for more expatriates’ contributions has now arisen because expatriates and Nigerians should not be at par when it comes to liabilities on income as presently is, in addition to the fact that Nigeria has no special law governing revenue system with respect to expatriates, in a situation where a presumptive income due is required. Importantly, Nigeria is considered a very expatriate-friendly country.

    From the proposal, companies are understood to employ expatriates for the short or medium term to develop or train local employees. Once understudied, they are supposed to exit. But in actual practice, they stay unnecessarily longer. The anticipated increased financial obligation should discourage this anomaly.

    The proposal leaves the government and citizens without any burden. It is also against the background of the fact that with Africa rising as an emerging market, more expatriates are coming in. The large markets from a large population and a greater influx of foreign skilled workers are in evidence, especially in a country like Nigeria.

    Records have it that Nigeria’s natural resources and economic opportunities continue to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) from investors worldwide. Based on the National Bureau of Statistics, capital inflow to Nigeria in 2018 was $19.07 billion, of which $7.78 billion represents FDIs. Capital inflows from January 2019 to May 2019 amount to $14.2 billion, of which $2.87 billion represents FDIs. Beyond these facts is the thinking that the flow and people need to do more. Looks plausible, if probably practicalised.

    In summary, the other benefits include an increase in employment rate and a lowering of the quest for foreign exchange, in addition to the inclusion of citizens where we do not require expatriates for construction, supermarkets, restaurants, and retail. The policy would likely also put these sets of Nigerians on a level playfield with the expatriates to some extent. There will similarly be lowered demand for scarce foreign exchange, especially from the parallel market, eventually reducing pressure on the currency.

    Another instance is in the banking sector in Nigeria, which is 99% run by citizens.  All the technology start-ups in Nigeria are also 99% Nigerian entrepreneurs’, where they harness skill sets and knowledge that are always available. So, there is no sector which cannot achieve this, including the oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, retail services, etc.

    Revenue earned by the government can be put to use for the benefit of the Nigerians in many areas ranging from education, production, health and infrastructure, among others. Largely, with the initiative, there will be more job opportunities, improved remuneration, more chances for training and skill acquisition, enhancement of the prestige of the Nigerian workers, and reduction of the demand for foreign exchange, resulting from the draining salaries of expatriates.

    •Modupe, public policy analyst, writes from Abuja.

  • Fed Govt unfolds plan to boost employment, wealth creation

    Fed Govt unfolds plan to boost employment, wealth creation

    The Federal Government has promised to boost job and wealth creation to promote national prosperity.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, announced the government’s plan at the weeklong 15th meeting of the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, with theme: Digitalising Industry, Trade and Investment for National Development, currently holding in Katsina.

    The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, said the council meeting would provide a platform for participants to rub minds on issues affecting economic growth.

    She said: “The theme of the meeting is very appropriate at a time relevant stakeholders are working with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to harness the potential of the industry and investment sector for national economy and the creation of adequate jobs for teeming Nigerian youths.”

    Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda said his administration would introduce policies that would effectively coordinate activities for fostering accelerated development of the state through the establishment of a development management board.

    Radda said the proposed board would ensure that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state civil service align with the state development objectives. 

    The governor assured that the proposed board would contribute meaningfully to the state’s cooperation with the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.

    He added that the theme of the meeting resonated with the state’s experience.

    Radda said his administration had established a Directorate of Information, Communication and Technology, adding that the state government would soon begin the digital enumeration of all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state to enable them access government support directly through a dedicated portal.

  • Financial workers call for end to violations of employment standards

    Financial workers call for end to violations of employment standards

    The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has urged the federal government to exercise its powers under the exclusive legislative list and take action against deliberate violations of minimum employment conditions by states, corporate entities, and multinational organisations.

     National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Olusoji Oluwole, made this appeal at the World Day for Decent Work 2023 held in Lagos over the weekend.

    Speaking on the theme “Pay Rise: A Necessity for Decent Standard of Living” he stressed the importance of the government reviewing the Trade Unions Act of 2004.

    Oluwole said that this particular section of the Act has been misused by unscrupulous employers and management to undermine the democratic spirit in which it was enacted by the government.

    “The current labour law dates back to 2004, almost two decades ago in an ever-changing economy. The Labor and Trade Unions Acts still impose fines or penalties of N100 and N1000 for serious violations. Urgent action needs to be taken,” Oluwole said.

    He stressed the significance of wage increases for employees in order to create an economy that places a high priority on the welfare of most individuals.

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    “The National and State governments are aware that Nigerian workers are underpaid. Decent pay in Nigeria is attainable if the government demonstrates commitment and takes steps to combat corruption practices and reduce the cost of governance,” Oluwole said.

    According to him, the celebration of the World Day for Decent Work rekindles hope that one day wage justice, workplace rights and privileges, freedom of association, and the ability to bargain freely will become standard practice in Nigerian workplaces.

    Guest speaker, Bayo Owolabi urged the federal government to promote small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), solve security issues, invest in human capacity development, foster a production-centered economic model, and diversify the economy.

    Owolabi added that labor unions should use social dialogue to push for decent employment because the demand for salary increases is a worldwide issue.

    “There is no better time to discuss the concept of pay rise than now, considering the country’s inflation and other economic challenges,” Owolabi said.

  • Fed Govt urged to review policy on age employment

    Fed Govt urged to review policy on age employment

    Senator Abbah Umoru has moved a motion on the floor of the Senate that the government should review its policy on age employment by moving it from 20 or 30 years to at least 40 years considering the dynamism of the society.

    Senator Umoru made this appeal during a courtesy call by the Coalition of the Nigerian Youths and students representing National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYC), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), IPUSU Community Youth Forum, Tiv Youths Development Association, in Abuja.

    The Senator stated that his constituency was drastically affected by the unemployment in the country.

    According to him, “When youths in my constituency could not access employment, I encouraged them to go back to school. By the time they finished their masters, PhD, they have grown beyond the stipulated government age. This, of course, affects the whole country, not only my constituency. The government should look critical into this situation.

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    “This is the reason I moved the motion that the government should reconsider the guidelines and policies that inhibits regular employment of the youths who have graduated from school. Most of these people pay their way through school and come out to nothing, very demoralising.

    “I would want the public to note that the proposal I made in my motion was not to impose employees on employers contrary to the situation making round. The intent was for Nigerians to appreciate the dynamic nature of the society and the predicament that we face in present day Nigeria in terms of employment”.

    The representative of the Coalition of the Nigerian Youths and students Association, Comrade Enjor Ichile Ezah, said youths are solidly behind Senator Umoru for spearheading the Bill for youths to get jobs even above thirty to forty years.

    He assured that the youth would mobilise to support the Bill.

  • ‘Review age employment policy’

    ‘Review age employment policy’

    Senator Abbah Umoru had moved a motion on the floor of the Senate that the government should review policy on age employment by moving it from twenty or thirty years to at least forty years considering the dynamism of the society the country operate today.

    Senator Umoru told the Coalition of Youths and students representing National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYC), the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), IPUSU Community Youth Forum, Tiv Youths Development Association in Abuja during a courtesy call.

    He stated that his constituency was drastically affected by the unemployment in the country.

    According to the Senator, “When the youths in my constituency could not access employment, I encouraged them to go back to school, by the time they finished their Masters, PHD, they have grown beyond the stipulated government age, this of course affects the whole country, not only my constituency, the government should look critical into this situation.

    “This is the reason why I moved the motion that government should reconsider the guidelines and policies that inhibits regular employment of the youths who have graduated from school,  point of note again is most of these people pay their ways through school and come out to nothing, very demoralizing.

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    “I would want for the public to note that the proposal I made in my motion is not to impose employees on employers contrary to the situation making round. The intent is for Nigerians to appreciate the dynamic nature of the society and the predicament that we face in present Nigeria in terms of employment”.

    The representative of the Coalition of the Nigerian Youths and students Association Comrade Enjor Ichile Ezah said Nigerian youths are solidly behind Senator Umoru for spearheading the bill for youths to get jobs even above thirty to forty years.

    He assured that the youths will mobilize and come out to support the bill.

  • Reps Committee slams NIS, others for defiling federal character in employment

    Reps Committee slams NIS, others for defiling federal character in employment

    The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee probing the alleged job racketeering and gross mismanagement in federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) has accused the management of the National Institute for Sports and the National Office for Technology Innovation and Acquisition of lopsided appointment of personnel to the disadvantage of other states.

    Chairman of the Committee, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi said at the resume hearing of the committee that recruitment carried out by the two agencies did not reflect federal character.

    Director General of the National Sports Institute, Prof. Olawale Moronkola had told the committee that they were given a waiver to employ 22 staff during their last recruitment exercise.

    However, the Committee Chairman questioned why six of the 22 staff employed were from his home state of Oyo when the positions were supposed to have been spread to the 36 states and the FCT, or shared to the six geopolitical zones.

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    The Committee, however, asked the Institute to provide a detailed analysis of the state representation of workers in the Institute And how it plans to address the imbalance in employment.

     However, the Director General of the National Institute of Technology Acquisition and Innovation, Dr. Danazunmi Mohammed Ibrahim told the committee that the Institute had already put in place plans to address the imbalance in its employment.

    He said the Federal Character Commission had already drawn its attention to the imbalance in its staff representation and asked them to correct it.

    He said, “We are aware that some states like Bayelsa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Yobe, and a few others have no representation in the agency. We already plan on how to address that.”

    He said the institute required more than 30 senior staff to be employed, but got approval for only 23, adding that between 2015 till date, the institute has employed only 45 staff.

    While noting that the challenges are documented, he pleaded for the committee’s assistance as the institute has an establishment position of close to 300 staff members.

    “And in 2020 we were able to get financial provisions to employ, when we started the process Covid-19 came, then a circular was issued that we had to hold on, and at the end of the year the whole money left. It took us almost three years to be able to get this fund to start the employment process, so we had to come back to ‘square one’.

    “And up till now, staff are going,  the younger ones are not coming up, the older ones are going. So there is a serious issue of succession challenge in the office, and we feel the committee may be able to assist us. But currently, we have an approved establishment from the Head of Service to employ 90 staff and we are in the process of seeing how we get the waivers and necessary funding.”