ABUJA (Labour Ministry Report) – The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu has revealed that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has between 2010 and 2014 initiated and implemented proactive policies and programmes for enhancing the development of the labour sector in line with international best practices and the lofty objectives of the Transformation Agenda.
Emeka Wogu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday September 24, 2014 while performing the public presentation of the books: “Compendium of Nigerian Labour Laws and Other Related Laws” and “Guidelines on Labour Laws in Nigeria.”
He also noted that the newly unveiled books are a must read for all organizations in the country, stressing that the publications contained valuable information that would make it easier for experts and other readers to apply the provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws efficiently for conflict resolution, productivity improvement and socio-economic development.
According to him, the books being unveiled provided all parties involved in investment decision-making with relevant labour market information and guidance on the labour laws operational in the country.
The Minister pointed out that the Labour Ministry’s commitment to professional service delivery has transformed the labour sector with the production of such policies as HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy; Child Labour Policy; National Productivity Policy; Local Employment Contents Guidelines; Guidelines on the Oil and Gas Sector; Contract Staffing Policy and Regulation on the Use of Elevators and Escalators with Guidelines.
“Our National Policy on Labour Migration has been submitted to the Council Secretariat while the National Entrepreneurship, Skills Development and Social Security Policies are at different stages of development,” he stated.
He intensified that the National Employment Policy is being updated with the support of the International Labour Organisation, observing that the publication of the books which was the outcome of public private partnerships between the Ministry and Messrs Facts and Figures was a further testament of the Ministry’s commitment to excellence and improved labour administration system.
While reflecting on investments in Nigeria as one of the leading economies of the world and the largest economy in Africa, he averred that it was vital to equally develop and maintain a professional and productive labour force that meets the needs of investors and the labour market. He also identified issues of inequity, poor training and unfair labour practices in the workplace as the causes of industrial unrest, underscoring the need for employee education and empowerment as essential for the development of a well-informed workforce and reduction of the rate of occurrence of industrial disputes in Nigeria yearly.
Wogu recommended the reading of the books as necessary for workers, employers, political office holders, business owners and government functionaries.
In his welcome address at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Clement Illoh (Dr) noted that the publications have the potential to bridge the knowledge gap in the understanding of labour relations in Nigeria, considering that the recurrence of strikes, lock-outs and picketing have been largely due to ignorance of the relevant labour laws on the part of employers and employees.
“Labour laws mediate the relationship between workers, employers, trade unions and the government. In recent years, labour issues have become very sensitive and affect every aspect of the economy. The present compilation underscores the importance in understanding the legal framework on employer/employee relationships,” he stated.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a goodwill message presented by its representative, Benson Upah (Comrade) remarked that the publications are an invaluable contribution to the knowledge, study and practice of labour law in Nigeria.
In the goodwill message delivered by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Director of the ILO Country Office in Nigeria and Liaison Officer for ECOWAS, Sina Chuma-Mkandawire represented by Chinyere Anuna said that the publications should be made available on the Nigerian Government’s official website to enhance awareness at national and international levels.
The ILO Director also recommended that the international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria as well as other regulations like the Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies and draft bills before the National Assembly should be incorporated into the Compendium of Labour Laws to further enrich it as a reference point for national labour laws, international labour laws and other related laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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