..Seeks market for Nigerian goods
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige has lauded the United States for tying her trade relations with Nigeria to fair labour practices.
Ngige, who made the remarks while receiving in audience, the Political Officer in the Embassy of the United States of America, Marlin Hardinger who was accompanied by the International Labour Organsation (ILO) country Director for Nigeria, Dennis Zulu, to his office said the step is a big boost to the country’s international trade.
His words: “We appreciate the American government for taking this step. It is pleasing to note you are synergizing with the International Labour Organisation to make this workable. This is really a big boost to trade not only with Nigeria but also with the entire continent of Africa. I have often thought of the workability of trade without productivity and its implication for a developing country like ours. The decision of your government to tie the two is re-awakening and important to us.”
While bemoaning the waning trade relations between Nigeria and United States following the decision of the U.S to stop importation of crude from Nigeria, Ngige declared that Nigeria has agricultural produce that can be exported to the U.S markets.
He added: “Though trade relations between our two countries have receded following the decision of your country to stop the import of crude from Nigeria, we have a vast agricultural product base which can find ready market in the U.S. It is distressing however that even trade in this area is equally on downward swing.”
He further said the primary focus of Nigeria for now was to give quality life to the her people, adding, “gainful employment and infrastructural development are our immediate target for our people. What we are looking for is a Nigeria that is prosperous and stable enough to remain a rallying point in the comity of nations and not necessarily a supper power. We will partner with you in this effort.”
In his response, the Political Officer in the America Embassy, Mr. Marlin Hardinger said the purpose of his visit was to encourage, correct and adjust trade efforts across Africa and United States of America, adding that the movement officially began in 2000 and was renewed in 2015. He argued that promoting trade and economic growth is integral to a proper running of the economy.
He also said that this objective would be given more momentum at the 2016 Labour Roundtable Conference slated for September in the United States. He explained that this is done to promote the United States policy under her Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Dennis Zulu said the September meeting would enrich the participating countries on labour laws, saying the discussions on trade goals and labour would be beneficial to member states. Zulu further noted that the constraints which member states are facing in accessing the US market would also be discussed.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Clement Illoh said that the theme for the workshop is on relationship between labour, trade and investment, with reference to occupational safety and health.
He said that Nigeria has already ratified the 8-core convention in the World of Work, especially on issues such as social labeling, child labour, hazard at work, employments, skill development and certification regarding their relationship to trade and investment.
