FG, NECA Strengthen Partnership to Promote Decent Work, Productivity
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to deepening partnership with the organised private sector to promote decent work, protect workers’ welfare, boost productivity and sustain industrial harmony across Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil A. Shoretire, stated this 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 collaboration between government and employers was essential to addressing emerging challenges in Nigeria’s labour market and creating the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
He stressed that government could not achieve its employment and economic development objectives without the active participation of employers, workers and other stakeholders in the world of work.
According to him, sustained engagement between the Ministry and NECA would help address emerging labour issues, improve compliance with labour laws and standards, and ensure that government policies and interventions reflect the realities confronting both workers and businesses.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of constructive dialogue among government, employers and workers, describing effective social dialogue as critical to preventing industrial disputes and creating a stable environment for investment and economic development.
He assured NECA of the Ministry’s readiness to work with the association and other social partners to develop practical solutions to challenges relating to employment, skills development, productivity and workers’ wellbeing.
Earlier, the NECA Director-General, Smart Oyerinde, commended the Ministry for its open-door policy and willingness to engage employers and other stakeholders on critical issues affecting the Nigerian workforce.
Oyerinde pledged NECA’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 significantly to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He called for stronger government-private sector collaboration in responding to the changing nature of work, particularly challenges relating to skills gaps, job creation, labour standards and competitiveness.
The NECA chief further stressed the need for a predictable and business-friendly labour environment that would enable enterprises to expand, create more jobs and contribute meaningfully to national development while safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation between government and employers to improve compliance with labour laws and standards, promote skills development and build a more competitive, productive and inclusive labour market.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuous consultation and collaboration among government, employers and workers as Nigeria responds to evolving economic and labour-market realities.
(FML&E Press)
