Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the federal government’s (FG) dedication to improving workers’ welfare, implementing wage reforms, and fostering inclusive economic policies.
He made this assertion yesterday during a meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, alongside the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi.
Shettima praised Nigeria’s labour movement for its contributions to national development, emphasising President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerian workers.
“We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it. Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights,” he stated.
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a major advantage in the evolving global workforce, stressing the need for the right policies to harness the demographic potential.
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“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth.
“The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” he noted.
Speaking on the impact of digital transformation, Shettima expressed confidence in the preparedness of Nigerian youth to adapt to emerging job markets.
“Our young people are digitally more literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy,” he added.
The Vice President assured the ILO delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth.
He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to engage with labour unions for national progress.
“We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he emphasised.
He also assured Houngbo that President Tinubu would be briefed on the ILO’s requests upon his return.
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“The President is very much at home with the labour ecosystem,” he said.
In his remarks, Houngbo appreciated Nigeria’s support for his election as ILO DG, acknowledging the country’s crucial role in mobilizing African constituents.
He noted that his visit had provided an opportunity to engage with social partners, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing their discussions as fruitful.
He urged the FG to expedite the reform of the labour code and sought the Vice President’s support for the revival of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) to enhance social dialogue among labour stakeholders.
“Given the dynamism of the labour market in Nigeria, its population, ambition, and role in Africa, having the NLAC revived will be beneficial to all,” he stated.
