The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with the organised private sector to promote decent work, protect workers’ welfare, improve productivity and sustain industrial harmony in Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil A. Shoretire, made the call in Abuja when he received the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Smart Oyerinde, who paid a courtesy visit to his office.
Shoretire said stronger cooperation between government and employers was needed to address labour challenges, improve compliance with labour standards and support job creation and economic growth.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, the meeting provided an opportunity for the government and NECA to exchange views on key labour and employment issues and reaffirm the importance of sustained engagement between both sides.
Speaking during the meeting, Shoretire said the Ministry remained committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes decent work, increases productivity, protects workers’ welfare and sustains industrial harmony across the country.
He said sustainable economic growth and job creation could not be achieved without the active participation of employers and other key stakeholders in the world of work.
According to him, stronger collaboration between the Ministry and NECA would provide an important platform for addressing emerging labour and employment challenges, improving compliance with labour standards and ensuring that government policies and interventions respond effectively to the realities of workers and businesses.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of constructive dialogue among government, employers and workers, saying effective social dialogue was critical to preventing industrial disputes and promoting a stable environment for investment and economic development.
Shoretire further assured NECA of the Ministry’s readiness to engage the association and other social partners in developing practical solutions to issues affecting employment, skills development, productivity and the overall wellbeing of Nigerian workers.
Earlier, Oyerinde commended the Ministry for its open-door policy and willingness to engage employers and other stakeholders on issues affecting the world of work.
The NECA Director-General pledged the association’s continued support and cooperation with the Ministry in promoting best labour practices, strengthening skills development, improving productivity and building a workforce capable of contributing effectively to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Oyerinde also stressed the need for government and the private sector to work together to respond to the changing nature of work, particularly in the areas of skills gaps, employment generation, labour standards and competitiveness.
He called for a predictable and business-friendly labour environment that would enable enterprises to grow, create jobs and contribute more meaningfully to national development, while ensuring that workers’ rights and welfare are protected.
The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation between government and employers to address emerging challenges in the world of work, improve compliance with labour laws and standards, promote skills development and foster a more competitive, productive and inclusive labour market.
Both sides also highlighted the need for continuous consultation and collaboration among the social partners as Nigeria responds to changing economic and labour market realities.
