Plans are afoot by the Federal Government to explore job opportunities offered by the green economy to create sustainable jobs for unemployed youths, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has said.
Speaking in Abuja during an interactive session with Labour Correspondents, the Minister said the green economy is not just about protecting the environment but creating new economies and a new workforce that can create a sustainable future.
“This transition is not just about protecting our planet, it is also about creating new industries, new jobs, and a workforce that is prepared to lead a sustainable future. The skills needed to thrive in today’s labour market have been rapidly evolving, with advancements in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cyber security. So, we are emphasising the development of these digital skills. The programmes already in place are going to be sustained, while new ones will be created,” he said.
On plans for sustained industrial harmony in the country, the Minister said the government will continue to prioritize the promotion of a strike-free industrial environment.
He mentioned that the validation of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) for promoting industrial peace and harmony in the country by critical stakeholders in the labour sector testifies to the intention of the government.
“This journey was kick-started by my predecessors, but I am delighted that it came to fruition under my leadership in the ministry. We expect that the development of this policy will further strengthen cordial relationships between this Ministry and the various labour unions, as well as employers in our conduct of industrial relations practice.
“Our administration has zero tolerance for unhealthy labour practices, including child labour and irregular labour migration. Working with local and international partners, all these are going to be confronted headlong while we are here,” he stated.
The Minister also hinted that President Bola Tinubu will launch the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a strategy for creating employment opportunities in the New Year. He explained: “The initiative is projected to train and equip 2.5 million people annually within the next four years with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital age. This project is being driven by the Minister of State, and necessary committees have been set up to organize the launching of the programme soon.”
Dangyadi assured stakeholders of his intention to operate an ‘open door’ policy that will encourage consultation amongst the tripartite bodies, saying, “My door is always open to the media. I intend to sustain this open-door policy. It is not only for the media but for everybody, including our social partners, the labour unions, and their employers. Under my watch, no aspect of the mandate of the ministry would be left unattended. They will all receive optimal attention.”
On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Nkiruka Onyejeocha, explained that the focus of the LEEP programme is to situate training and empowerment schemes in the Ministry of Labour and Employment for coordination purposes.
“Training ought to be domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and that is what LEEP will ensure. If other ministries want to embark on any empowerment training, the Ministry of Labour will coordinate such training. By so doing, the government will be able to keep track of all its empowerment programmes. The programme would have been launched by the President, but that has not happened because of his schedule. We are hoping that the President will launch the programme between January and February next year,” she said.
