President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fair labour practices, economic justice and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.
Speaking through the minister of labour and employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, at the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria’s 20th anniversary and first quadrennial delegates conference in Abuja yesterday, the president lauded TUC for playing vital roles in shaping national policy and fostering social and economic development.
Highlighting the theme of the conference, “The Future of Work: Ensuring Fair Labour Practices and Economic Justice in a Digital Era,” the president emphasised a multi-pronged strategy to safeguard labour rights, promote decent work and expand economic opportunities across sectors.
He stressed the importance of digital literacy, vocational training and education to equip the workforce for the evolving demands of the modern economy.
He said, “It is our collective responsibility to harness the benefits of digital innovation while safeguarding the principles of fairness, equity and justice.
“On the part of government, our administration is unwaveringly committed to fostering an environment where every Nigerian worker can thrive on different fronts such as one promoting fair labour practises who will strengthen their values to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe working conditions and eliminate exploitation, investing in skills development.
“As work evolves globally, we must equip our workers with the skills needed to succeed in a digital economy, we shall continue prioritising education, vocational training and digital literacy initiatives. Advancing economic justice, we will continue to work tirelessly to create opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of their background.”
Earlier, TUC president-general, Comrade Festus Osifo, in his remarks, recounted the congress’ 45-year journey towards recognition, noting that it marked the struggle for recognition and the consolidation of a unified voice for senior workers across the country.
Osifo also addressed pressing national issues, including the economic hardship affecting workers, the insecurity plaguing farming communities, high youth unemployment and the alarming number of out-of-school children.
These challenges according to the labour leader directly impact workers’ wellbeing and national productivity.
He called on all levels of government to develop concrete strategies to address insecurity, create jobs, promote quality education and end casualisation in the labour market.”
He also called for the enforcement of decent work standards and cautioned against exploitative employment practices that undermine the dignity of labour.
