Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, has emphasised that a well-informed and empowered workforce is essential for building a strong and competitive nation.
The Minister said, “The cardinal goals of decent work and harmonious industrial relations cannot be achieved without the contributions of the labour movement. Your roles as agents of change are vital to our national progress.”
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous education in addressing the challenges of labour administration.
The minister made these remarks during the 7th Registrar of Trade Unions National Workshop on Current Challenges and Prospects of Trade Union Administration in Nigeria, held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The workshop brought together policymakers, labour leaders, and captains of industry to deliberate on pressing issues facing the nation’s labour sector and proffer actionable solutions. Despite economic hardships, the event witnessed commendable attendance, reflecting the unwavering commitment of participants to national development.
Dingyadi praised the Registrar of Trade Unions and his team for sustaining the annual workshop, describing it as a platform critical for fostering dialogue and mitigating industrial disputes.
He noted, “The sustenance of this programme underscores our ministry’s dedication to strengthening the labour sector through professional service delivery of the highest quality, meeting global standards, and aligning with international expectations.”
This year’s workshop, themed “Best Practices for Social Partners Engagement in a Challenging Economy,” tackled crucial topics such as the legality of strikes, challenges in implementing the new minimum wage, and the future of work in a turbulent economy. “We must explore innovative ways to ensure productive engagement between social partners to navigate today’s economic realities,” the Minister said, urging participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions.
Reflecting on previous workshops, Dingyadi acknowledged the progress made on recommendations such as capacity building, labour law reforms, and stronger social protection nets. However, he stressed the need for more consistency in policy implementation and enhanced occupational safety frameworks. “These efforts are non-negotiable if we are to create a conducive environment for workers and employers alike,” he added.
In his address, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Nyamali, echoed the minister’s sentiments. He applauded the commitment of labour stakeholders, describing the workshop as a milestone in addressing emerging trends in the world of work. “This is your programme, a platform where we collectively shape the future of labour administration for a greater Nigeria,” Nyamali stated.
Both leaders emphasized the critical role of social dialogue in promoting industrial peace and harmony. The workshop explored collective bargaining as a tool for resolving disputes, with experts presenting innovative strategies to balance workers’ rights with the need for stability in the workplace. Participants were encouraged to engage actively and provide insights that would enrich the forum’s outcomes.
The Minister expressed optimism about the resolutions from the workshop, promising that they would serve as a blueprint for enhancing labour practices in Nigeria. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to implementing the recommendations, ensuring they translate into tangible benefits for workers, employers, and the broader economy.
As the event concluded, stakeholders hailed the workshop as a significant step toward addressing the challenges facing the labour sector. The collective resolve to foster collaboration and innovation was evident, with attendees looking forward to a more resilient and inclusive labour administration system. With this momentum, Nigeria’s labour sector appears poised for transformative change, even in challenging economic times.
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