President Bola Tinubu has said social dialogues on Labour reforms are necessary for development in Nigeria.
Tinubu stated this at the 10th National Labour Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin.
The President, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasised the importance of dialogue and skill development in fostering industrial harmony and national growth.
Pointing at the critical role of social dialogue in implementing labour reforms and resolving industrial disputes, Tinubu cited the successful resolution of the National Minimum Wage discussions.
“Effective dialogue ensures all stakeholders’ voices are heard, and disputes must be resolved constructively.
“This event aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to empower people, strengthen economy and create sustainable pathways for recovery and growth,” he said.
Tinubu explained that the Labour Employment Expansion Programme (LEEP) focuses on equipping Nigerians, particularly youths, with skills for emerging industries such as digital technology, renewable energy and clean energy.
“These programmes are not just about jobs, they are about preparing our people to thrive in a fast-changing global economy,” he said.
The President described the conference as a crucial platform to secure stakeholders’ buy-in for government reforms, and called for collective efforts to create an inclusive and sustainable labour market.
He commended MINILS for organising the event and encouraged participants to contribute actively to the discussions, noting that the outcomes would shape the future of labour relations in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of MINILS, Mr. Issa Aremu, described the event as a significant platform in fostering dialogue among stakeholders and building capacity for continuous engagement.
He said the goal was to align labour education with the Renewed Hope Agenda reforms.
“This is by addressing challenges in the labour market, promoting social justice and enhancing industrial productivity for sustainable national development,” Aremu said.
He disclosed that MINILS had surpassed its 2024 ministerial targets, by training more than 3,500 workers from the formal and informal sectors across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. (NAN)