The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and ensuring fair labour practices across all sectors of the economy.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the 2nd Annual Labour Conference of the Labour Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (LACAN).
The conference, themed “Local Content, Casualisation and Fair Labour Migration”, brought together policymakers, labour leaders, and journalists to discuss strategies for promoting decent work and fair treatment for all employees.
Dr. Dingyadi said the government is determined to deepen local content implementation, curb casualisation, and strengthen policies that uphold workers’ rights and dignity.
“The Federal Government will continue to strengthen policies that protect workers and create jobs that guarantee dignity, fairness, and productivity,” he stated.
He described the conference theme as timely and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s national development agenda, noting that local content is not merely an economic policy but a symbol of Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive growth and industrial participation.
“Nigerians must be active participants and beneficiaries of industries within our borders,” he said, warning that casualisation poses a serious threat to productivity and national stability.
“A workforce that lacks job security cannot plan for the future or contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he added. “Addressing casualisation is central to social justice.”
The minister also revealed that the ongoing review of Nigeria’s labour laws would include clearer provisions to regulate emerging work structures, such as contract and platform-based jobs, in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and global standards.
Dr. Dingyadi commended LACAN for its efforts in promoting public understanding of labour issues and pledged continued collaboration with journalists to advance fair and decent work in the country.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Silas Agara—represented by Mrs. Amezhi Apia, Director of Special Duties—commended LACAN for providing a platform to discuss employment generation. He disclosed that the NDE had trained over 33,800 youths and resettled 4,683 beneficiaries with start-up kits and soft loans.
“The Directorate remains committed to reducing unemployment and poverty to the barest minimum, as there is no alternative to doing so,” Agara said.
Earlier, the Acting National Chairman of LACAN, Mr. Patrick Abulu, said the conference served as a call to action for building a fairer and more inclusive labour environment.
“We are gathered not merely as attendees but as architects of a fairer future and voices for the voiceless in the struggle against poverty and inequality,” Abulu said.
He added that tackling casualisation and promoting fair labour recruitment are essential steps towards achieving a prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
“The fight for fair labour recruitment is inseparable from the fight for a prosperous Nigeria. We must dismantle structures of casualisation and guarantee decent work for all,” he stated.
