Performance on mandate: Permanent secretary appeals for enhanced funding for labour, employment ministry

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar has reiterated the commitment of the ministry to make greater impact in the lives of Nigerians through the renewed hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration which he said has put modalities in place in ensuring that employment opportunities are created for the vast number of unemployed Nigerians.

Speaking when the leadership of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN) paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Abubakar said the ministry which is previously known for its conciliation efforts between the Federal Government and labour unions in the country, is working assiduously to now play a bigger role in enhancing the growth of the economy by massively cutting down on the high unemployment rate in the country.

He listed the Labour Employment and Empowerment Program, (LEEP) as one of the innovative ideas initiated by the minister of state for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in which consultants and other stakeholders were brought together to develop a training program to develop various skills for young graduates, school leavers and artisans amongst others.

The Permanent Secretary however stated that the set objectives will not be realised if the ministry continues to receive meagre budgetary allocation. “At the moment, our skill acquisition centres across the country are all dilapidated and in need of major facelift. These centres are the hub for training young and old Nigerians on agro allied value chain development, information communication technology, crafts, entrepreneurship and other critical skills that will advance their fortunes in life. With the sort of allocations received by the ministry, it is difficult and almost impossible to revive these centres” the Permanent Secretary lamented.

He therefore urged the labour Reporters to assist the ministry by highlighting the funding challenges even as he said the minister of state for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has not relented in pushing for an enhanced budgetary allocation to the ministry.

As reporters covering the labour sector for several years, the Permanent Secretary called on the labour Reporters not to hesitate to advice the ministry on specific areas that officials might not be getting it right in terms of planning and coordination, adding that the growth and advancement of the country will benefit all Nigerians.

Earlier, the acting Chairman of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Abulu Patrick said the leadership of the Association paid the visit to the Permanent Secretary to welcome him to the ministry and assured of the commitment of Labour Correspondents in promoting the laudable initiatives being initiated by the ministry.