Tinubu’s committed to workers’ welfare and wage reforms – Shettima

Speaking today during a meeting with a delegation led by the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, Shettima emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a thriving workforce and a well-structured labour system.

He commended Nigeria’s active labour movement and its role in national development, stating, “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply committed to the well-being of Nigerian workers. We have increased the minimum wage, and most states have begun implementation. Some have even exceeded the N70,000 benchmark set at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their dedication to workers’ rights.”

Shettima highlighted the evolving global workforce and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, emphasizing the country’s youthful population as a key asset.

“With one in four black men being Nigerian and projections indicating that by 2050, we will become the third most populous nation globally, our demographic structure presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

At an average age of 16.9 years, our young population can be transformed into a demographic advantage through the right policies,” he noted.

The Vice President assured the ILO delegation of the government’s commitment to fair wages, inclusive labour policies, and economic growth.

“We will continue engaging with the labour movement to ensure sustainable progress. We are all patriots working together to build a stronger Nigeria,” he said.

He further assured that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist at heart, would be briefed on the delegation’s concerns upon his return.

ILO DG Houngbo expressed gratitude to the Vice President for hosting the delegation and acknowledged Nigeria’s crucial role in the ILO, particularly during its leadership of the ILO Board of Directors from June 2023 to June 2024.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s support during his election, Houngbo stated, “Without the mobilisation of the Nigerian government and social partners, my election as DG would have been significantly more challenging. Nigeria played a crucial role in rallying African constituents for my election.”

He called on  the Federal Government to expedite the labour code reform and sought the Vice President’s support for revitalizing the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), a platform for social dialogue among key stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Salihu Usman; Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara; Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Baffa Dan Agundi; Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Isa Aremu; Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero; and the 1st National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim-Okon, among others.