Tinubu’s Govt Ready To Work With Labour -Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains open to ongoing engagement with organised labour.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of workers, stressing that Tinubu is dedicated to fostering a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem.
“We will continue to engage with our friends in the labour movement to ensure progress,” Shettima said during a meeting with a delegation led by the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Houngbo was accompanied by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this development in a statement titled ‘VP Shettima Restates FG’s Dedication to Workers’ Welfare, Wage Reforms.’
Shettima assured the ILO chief that the Nigerian government remains committed to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth.
“We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he said, adding that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist himself, would be briefed on the delegation’s requests upon his return to the country.
The Vice President praised the Nigerian labour movement, describing it as vibrant and well-led. He also reiterated Tinubu’s passion for workers’ welfare, noting that the government had raised the minimum wage, with most states already implementing it—some even exceeding the N70,000 benchmark set at the national level.
“I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights,” Shettima said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, stating that with the right policies, the country’s youthful population could be transformed into an economic asset.
“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 turn it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” he said.