…Says radical transformation of governance crucial
…..Promises to fast-track passage of obsolete labour laws
The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has laid down the gauntlet for directors within the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to sparehead the development of new initiatives in the ministry.
The Minister, while noting that the responsibility for shaping the future of labour initiatives falls squarely on the shoulders the directors, maintained that a complete overhaul of the ministry’s approach to work was essential.
Onyejeocha stated this on Tuesday during a roundtable meeting with directors of the various departments under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The meeting, which was convened by the Minister, aimed to gather updates from department heads and mentally equip them for implementation of the performance bond mandated by President Tinubu.
Addressing them, the minister emphasised the commitment of the Tinubu’s administration to deliver on its campaign promises. She noted that “the president has mandated us to be bold to take decisions that would enable us deliver on our mandates. “Nobody will come do this job for us. We can’t afford to wait”.
According to her: “This Ministry has the core mandate of creating employment and relieving the country of poverty. We are not here only to settle disagreement between or among unions.
“There is the need to close the gaps of inefficiency and be functional. Taking responsibility and ensuring that the Ministry is meeting up with expectations and duties.
“We do not have any option than to deliver the mandate of the President. We have a collective responsibility of ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is successful, and Nigerians must see our performance.
“There is urgent need for team work and collaboration. Your job is to impact on the lives of the citizens.
We must put our strength in working to change the narrative, she noted. Our duty is to create jobs and reduce poverty in the country”.
She urged them not to look at the size of the ministry budget but must focus on measurable outcomes. Achieving our objectives is what will elevate the ministry’s role in governing.”
“We must establish regular management meetings for evaluation purposes. We must put our strength in changing the narratives. We must also work on our data. If we don’t understand the primary objective of our mandate, we cannot deliver.
While she noted that, “the task ahead was going to be tough because of the standard she has set, she urged the directors “to come up with ideas to make the work easy for all.
She said: “Put your best in whatever you do no matter your position. Wherever we see ourselves, we should understand that life matters, and negligence can cost a life if not lives. When we do not do our work, it affects not just somebody but the society.
Recognizing the need for updated regulations, the minister vowed to prioritise revising outdated labour laws, starting with the Occupational Safety and Health department of the ministry.
She said the meeting was more than just a call for new initiatives. It was a call for ownership, accountability, and a shared vision for a transformed Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Emameh Gabriel                    Special Adviser, Media.              January 9, 2024.