The federal government has expressed its willingness to address the new National Minimum Wage and other palliatives derived from the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Simon Lalong, the new Minister of Labor and Employment, made the pledge during his inauguration with the Minister of State for Labor and Employment on Monday in Abuja.
Mr. Lalong said this was imperative to boost the relationship with the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
According to him, the government, through the ministry, will work closely with the NLC, the TUC and their affiliates to not only ensure that all outstanding labor disputes are resolved amicably.
“But also address with firm determination the new minimum wage and other palliatives derived from the elimination of fuel subsidies.
“I take this opportunity to especially convey President Bola Tinubu’s thanks to organized workers and Nigerian workers in general for exercising great understanding and patience with the current situation.
“The government does not take it for granted and the President has ordered that we continue with the negotiations to reach friendly resolutions that will make our workers overcome the current pain,” he said.
He said that the president had given them the mandate to manage the very important aspects of labor and employment that were critical to national development and prosperity.
Mr. Lalong said that the tasks were indeed daunting but achievable, especially with the abundant human resources Nigeria was endowed with.
The minister also said that under his leadership, the Ministry of Labor and Employment would fulfill its mandate to ensure decent work for all Nigerians.
According to him, this ensures that Nigerians, particularly youth and women, have the opportunity to deploy their energy, creativity, talent and gifts for the development of the nation.
“Our workers must derive value from their work and operate in a safe and supportive environment due to the level of unemployment, underemployment and challenges associated with the work environment.
“The President has tasked us with ensuring that Nigerians get decent employment and receive adequate remuneration for their work in both the public and private sectors.
“We will spare no effort to protect the Nigerian worker and ensure their dignity at all times,” he said.
Mr. Lalong also said that this administration would therefore intensify relations with the private sector, development partners, international agencies and NGOs, among others.
He said this would ensure that unemployment and underemployment are reduced to a minimum, in line with the plan of President Tinubu’s administration.
He added that overall, the ministry will leverage technology, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and agriculture among others to open up more job opportunities for all Nigerians.
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“This is in addition to current and new safety net work that this administration will begin in the coming weeks and months,” he said.
However, he praised President Tinubu for the appointment and vowed to do everything in his power to help the President fulfill his Agenda of Renewed Hope for a better Nigeria.
In addition, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labor and Employment, congratulated Mr. President on the appointment.
Ms. Onyejeocha urged everyone to unite and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in conducting the country’s affairs to ensure development and prosperity.
“Our young people are on the streets and as a ministry we must get them off the streets, it is our mandate and we must make that change.
“It is a call to service and we ask God to allow us to achieve the purpose,” he said.
Juliana Adebambo, director of Productivity Measurement at the ministry and also acting Permanent Secretary, promised to support his mandate.
Ms. Adebambo while handing out a summary of the ministry’s mandates and activities to the ministers, said she was hopeful that they would fulfill their mandate.
(YAYA)
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