The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Mr. Issa Aremu, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen labour market institutions as a key strategy in delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Aremu made the appeal on Saturday in Ilorin, while commemorating the fourth anniversary of his appointment as the institute’s substantive Director-General.
In addition, he announced that 720 youths from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones had been trained in various entrepreneurial skills, including cinematography, photography, carpentry, woodwork, and tie-dye production.
He said stronger labour institutions would enhance productivity, promote industrial harmony, generate decent employment, and combat poverty.
Aremu commended the Tinubu administration for acknowledging the importance of labour in national development, especially through the review of the national minimum wage and the clearance of outstanding pension arrears.
He highlighted the historic role of MINILS, established in 1983 by the late President Shehu Shagari, in providing labour education and empowering thousands of Nigerian workers over the past four decades.
He also underscored the institute’s alignment with federal policies, including the promotion of locally made goods and procurement of locally assembled vehicles.
Aremu urged other government institutions to adopt similar pro-Nigerian policies.
“MINILS has played a vital role in fostering industrial harmony and promoting social dialogue between labour and government,” he said.
He revealed that the institute exceeded its 2024 Ministerial Deliverables Target, training more than 3,000 participants – far above the projected 1,250 – through both physical and virtual platforms.
He also highlighted the institute’s inclusive approach, with significant gender balance and participation by persons with disabilities, trade unions, employers’ groups, and state delegations.
