News Investigators/ Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of members of the organised labour, inclusive economic policies, and wage reforms.
Shettima gave assurance at a meeting with a delegation led by Mr Gilbert Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Vice-President commended the role of the organised labour in national development.
According to Shettima, President Bola Tinubu is committed to a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem.
“We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian.
“President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare 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 said.
The Vice-President noted the transformation of the global workforce and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, citing the country’s youthful population as a major advantage.
“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,” Shettima said.
He expressed confidence in the country’s future workforce, saying, “our young people are digitally more literate than us.
“While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youths with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.”
The Vice-President told the ILO chief that the Nigerian government remained committed to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth.
“We will continue to engage with our friends in the labour movement to ensure progress. We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he stated.
Earlier, Houngbo, thanked the Vice-President for receiving him and the delegation, noting that his visit to the country as DG was long overdue.
He appreciated Nigeria’s support for his election: “Without the mobilisation of the government of Nigeria and social partners in the country, my election would have been very difficult.
“Nigeria mobilised a lot of the African constituents in ensuring my election.”
He said his visit had afforded him the opportunity to interact with ILO’s social partners in Nigeria, including the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and others.
NAN