Abuja: The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and promoting fair labour practices across all sectors of the economy. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, gave the assurance at the 2nd Annual Labour Conference of the Labour Correspondents' Association of Nigeria (LACAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, with the theme 'Local Content, Casualisation and Fair Labour Migration,' brought together policymakers, labour leaders, and journalists to deliberate on fair and decent work practices. Dingyadi stated that the government would continue to deepen local content implementation, tackle casualisation, and promote fair labour migration to ensure decent work for all Nigerian workers. He emphasized that the Federal Government is committed to strengthening policies that protect workers and create jobs that guarantee dignity, fairness, and productivity.
Dingyadi described the conference theme as timely and strategic, aligning with the national development agenda of the Tinubu-led administration. He explained that local content is not merely an economic policy but a statement of national self-determination for inclusive growth and industrial participation. He stressed that Nigerians must be active participants and beneficiaries of industries within the country's borders.
The minister highlighted the growing casualisation of labour as a pressing challenge, noting that it undermines productivity and national stability. He identified job security as central to social justice, emphasizing that a workforce lacking job security cannot effectively plan for the future or contribute meaningfully to the economy. Dingyadi mentioned that the ongoing review of Nigeria's labour laws aims to introduce clearer provisions to regulate new forms of work, including contract and platform-based employment. He assured that efforts are underway to modernise the legal framework in line with International Labour Organisation conventions and global best practices.
Furthermore, Dingyadi commended LACAN for its role in shaping public understanding of labour issues and assured continued partnership with journalists to promote decent work. The Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Silas Agara, praised LACAN for providing a platform to discuss sustainable employment generation and decent work. Represented by Mrs Amezhi Apia, Director of Special Duties, Agara informed that NDE had trained over 33,800 youths and resettled 4,683 beneficiaries with start-up kits and soft loans, reiterating commitment to reducing unemployment and poverty.
Earlier, the Acting National Chairman of LACAN, Mr Patrick Abulu, described the conference as a call to action for a fairer and more inclusive labour environment. He emphasized the need for homegrown solutions to poverty and inequality through fair labour recruitment and decent work practices, urging for the dismantling of structures of casualisation to guarantee decent work for all.