Ny Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government says it plans to create 2.5 million jobs through the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP) of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said this at the pre-inauguration ceremony for the LEEP in Abuja.

She said that the programme was aimed at actualising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

‘’The LEEP vision is to train and equip 2.5 million people.

“In Nigeria, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with over 13 million young people currently unemployed.

“According to recent statistics, initiatives like LEEP play a crucial role in providing young people with access to training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.

“This will address the challenge of youth unemployment and promote social inclusion.

‘’The initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing key challenges facing our workforce such as job creation, skills development, and migration control,’’ she said.

She said that in a rapidly evolving global landscape, it was imperative to ensure that the Nigerian workforce was equipped with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital age.

She said that the LEEP targeted zero hunger, zero poverty economic growth and decent jobs through six strategic initiatives.

She said this included digital skills initiative, vocational entrepreneurship skills programmes, infrastructure upgrade and NELEX upgrade for employment acceleration.
Onyejeocha said that others were global remote work initiatives and labour compliance enhancement.

She urged development partners such as the World Bank, GIZ, the European Union, UNIDO and the Bank of Industry to support the drive.

She said that the support was imperative for the current administration to mitigate the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

“We cannot do it alone and so we need to partner with you to help us succeed in the country,” she said.

Ms Luri Aganetto, the EU Programme Manager, pledges the readiness of the union to support the initiative for the good of the Nigerian people.

“We are optimistic and looking forward to cooperate with the Nigerian government on Labour market information system,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has described Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo as its “pillar of support”.

Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this when he received Uzodinma on a courtesy visit to the Muslims pilgrimage office on Thursday in Abuja.

Arabi, who expressed delight at hosting the governor, commended his interventions toward ensuring that intending pilgrims from Imo participated in this year’s pilgrimage.

“You have been a pillar of support to us in the commission through your support that ensured the participation of Imo pilgrims in this year’s exercise.

“You supported us in 2023 and did same this year in spite of the fact that you are a Christian and governor of a predominantly Christian State.

“For us, you’re a symbol of peaceful religious co-existence and unity in the country,” he said.

The NAHCON boss presented a letter of commendation to Uzodinma and an award of excellence for his support and promotion of peaceful religious co-existence and unity.

Responding, Uzodinma expressed sincere appreciation for the honour shown him.

He restated his firm belief in peaceful inter-faith co-existence to promote development and prosperity in Imo and the country as a whole.

Uzodinma was one of the governors that subsidised the 2024 Hajj fare which enabled intending pilgrims from his state to participate in this year’s Muslim pilgrimage. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

By Joan Nwagwu

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), has appealed to the Federal Government to release the payments of wage award for the months of March and April.

Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President said this during a news conference at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the last wage award that was paid to the federal workers was in February and that of March and April, which are yet to be paid.

“We call on the government to immediately release the payments of wage awards for March and April 2024.

“This is to ensure that at the end of the month, when salaries are coming in, the wage award will also be paid and this will be until a new minimum wage is put in place,” he said.

Osifo also expressed concern that while a few states were up and doing regarding the payment of the wage award, some others were not.

He explained that the wage award was a fallout of palliative measures to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

The TUC president said that states like Imo, Delta, Benue, Katsina, Kebbi, Anambra among others were lagging behind, in spite of the huge allocations from the federation account.

According to him, in the next coming days, we will be engaging these states that have done nothing.

Osifo also expressed worry over the unilateral decision by the federal government to increase electricity tariff without consultation with stakeholders.

He, therefore, called on the government to rescind implementation in the interest of the suffering masses.

TUC also decried the level of insecurity in the country, lamenting that farmers could not go to farms for cultivation, for fear of being killed.

He said that unless the government tackled the situation head on, the prices of food and other commodities would keep rising beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

On the inability of the Port Harcourt refinery to kick off operations by April as promised by the federal government, Osifo said it was part of the reasons for the resurgence of fuel queues in parts of the country.

He urged the government to hasten up and actualise it, so as to lessen the economic hardship in the country.

“We urge the government to do everything possible to make it operational,” he said.

Osifo also called on the federal government to include labour in the committee currently reviewing the implementation process of Steven Oronsaye Report.

According to him, there is no representation of organised labour in that committee. We have called on the government to incorporate members of organised labour.

“We will not accept any fallout that is not going to impact our members when they conclude without us.

“So, we demand that we should be included in that committee to also make our recommendations, “he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr Felix Obuah, has promised to strengthen the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), to respond effectively to emergencies, disasters.

Obuah made the promise during a familiarisation visit to the department in Abuja on Thursday, being one of the departments under the purview of AMMC.

He assured FEMD of better days ahead under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Everybody is in high spirits because President Tinubu is here for everybody, every agency, and every department.

“I promise to take all FEMD’s concerns and challenges to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is changing the narrative of governance in Abuja.

“I will also ensure full implementation of the department’s budget, with a view to reposition it for improved service delivery and effective response to emergencies,” he said.

The coordinator explained that the visit was part of his tour of all departments and agencies under the purview of AMMC.

He added that the goal was to know the staff, their concerns and the challenges affecting the smooth operations of the agency.

This, according to him, is to ensure teamwork, towards achieving the mandate of the department in reducing disaster risks and effectively responding to emergencies.

“Part of your work is risk, and most of the workers need hazard allowance and other entitlements that are not being paid.

“I am interested in what I will do to add value and ensure that FEMD works efficiently and effectively.

“I want us to work as a family; I want us to work as a team. Bring your good ideas to bear. Let us put our ideas on the table to see how we can move forward.”

Earlier, FEMD Director, Mr Ibrahim Sabo, said that the department had a well-coordinated, reliable, and dependable structure and system in place for timely response to emergencies.

Sabo added that to ensure effective response to emergencies in communities, the department had established 600 Community Vanguards and about 1000 Disaster Management Volunteers.

He also said that the agency equally trained 300 Local Divers across the six Area Councils of the FCT, as well as Disaster Marshals made up of different stakeholders.

“We equally established Local Emergency Management Committees in the Area Councils for timely response to emergencies in communities,” he said.

He, however, said that in spite of the achievements recorded so far, the department was faced with a myriad of challenges affecting its smooth operations.

He identified some of the challenges as office space, lack of adequate number of operational vehicles and other critical equipment, including personal protective equipment.

The director also stressed the need for the establishment of Area Offices across the six Area Councils for effective and quality service delivery.

He also urged the coordinator to assist in establishing Ambulance Points around the city to enhance response time.

Similarly, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, said that the department had only two ambulances and stressed the need for additional ones and other critical equipment.

Also, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, also sought for more funding to enable the department to provide relief and rehabilitation to victims of disasters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FEMD was formerly an agency but reduced to a department under the purview of AMMC. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called for stronger cooperation among African countries for sustainable development of the continent.

Wike made the call when the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Mr Kalilou Traore, visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

He also stressed the need for stronger ties among ECOWAS countries for the development of the sub-region.

“We will continue to strengthen our relationship.

“Luckily, our President is the Chair of ECOWAS, and so, we will do everything we can to see that our relationship is smooth, cordial and symbiotic,” he said.

He commended Cote d’Ivoire for taking steps to develop the plot allocated to its Embassy in Abuja.

The minister explained that the FCTA had insisted that all allocated land must be developed as part of measures to check insecurity in the FCT.

“I thank you for developing the land that was given to you.

“The whole essence is for fighting insecurity. We do not want to leave certain areas for miscreants, and so, we thank you for the cooperation,” he said.

Wike also congratulated Cote d’Ivoire for winning the last edition of the African Cup of Nations.

“Even though that is particularly not what we wanted. We wanted to come back home with the cup, but God said that it is your turn.

“So, I congratulate you for that and also for being a good host for the tournament,” he added.

Earlier, Traore said that the visit was to inform the minister that the Embassy was about to begin the development of the land allocated to it in Maitama.

This, he explained, was in line with the minister’s directive that all allocated plots must be developed within a specified period or would be revoked.

“We were given two plots in Abuja: one at the Diplomatic Drive area and the other at Maitama.

“We have built a big building in the Diplomatic Drive area, and we are about to commence the development of the plot in Maitama,” he said.

On cooperation, the Ambassador said he has concluded plans to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in different areas.

“I also want to come to you with a proposal of twinning Abuja and the political capital of Cote d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro, to find a common ground to move forward,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has promised to rejuvenate the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make great impact in future elections in the FCT.

Mahmoud said this at a meeting with the FCT chairman, officials, and other members of the party in Abuja. 

She expressed concern over the poor performance of the party in the 2023 Presidential Election in the territory.

She, however, expressed optimism that with President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, the party would overcome its challenges and do better in subsequent elections in FCT.

Mahmoud commended the party members for their patience in spite of challenges and stressed the need for stakeholders to close ranks and work together for the success of the party.

The minister, who called for the commitment and dedication of members added, “If we want to succeed, we must be honest to each other; we must be dedicated and support one another.

“We must also come together and work with sincerity for the growth of our party in our hearts.

“By God’s grace, we are going to make it,’’ she said.

Mahmoud pledged to use her experience to ensure victory for the party in the FCT in future elections, just like the case in Kano State.

“We have only six area councils in FCT with 62 wards, so this is very visible and achievable.

“I know, we have problems, and every party has problems, but our own problems have already been solved by the Almighty Allah,” she said.

In his remarks, the APC FCT Chairman, Mr Abdulmalik Usman, described the party’s situation in the territory as pathetic, considering its decimal performance in the 2023 poll.

Usman identified lack of patronage and reward system for those who worked for the party as the major factors contributing to the low performance of APC in the nation’s capital.

He assured of the total loyalty of members and continued support to the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Inuwa

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Forum of the State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure full implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).

The Chairman of the forum, Comrade Abdul-Quadri Abdul-Salam, made the appeal during a news conference on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Abdul-Salam said that EEL had the potential to expeditiously address both economic and security challenges facing the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EEL is a fee imposed on employers hiring expatriate staff in Nigeria. It serves to address specific socio-economic factors within the nation.

He said that recognising the escalating influx of foreign labour into the country, government deemed it necessary to introduce the EEL to balance economic expansion, social equity, and workforce enhancement.

According to him, EEL aims to regulate the employment of expatriates in Nigeria, while encouraging the recruitment and training of local talent, including young Nigerians.

“Imposing EEL will incentivise the hiring and development of Nigerian workers, thereby reducing dependence on foreign labour and fostering indigenous capacity building.

“While the EEL has garnered both acclaim and criticism, it remains a pivotal policy in nurturing local talent and fostering economic empowerment.

“NYCN Chairmen Forum wholeheartedly supports the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy in Nigeria, viewing it as a significant measure to ensure fair job access across the nation, particularly for Nigerian youth,” he said.

The chairman implored the relevant government ministries, departments agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse and diligently pursue the successful implementation of the EEL, for the benefit of Nigerians.

“We advocate for collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations to ensure the successful execution of the EEL.

“We want quick achievement of EEL objectives, thus fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for Nigerian youth, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development and economic growth,” he said.

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has canvassed for reliable seasonal forecasts for the African sub-regions to mitigate impact of climate change.

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General /Chief Executive Officer of NiMet made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of a four-day regional climate outlook forum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is a forum on climate outlook and seasonal forecasting of Agro-Hydro-Climatic Characteristics of the Sahel and the Sudan Region of West Africa.

In  his welcome address, Anosike said efforts toward reliable seasonal forecasts will not only reduce the impacts of climate change, but also boost productivity across the region.

“Seasonal forecasting under increasing climate disasters can protect lives and property and this is key to achieving the United Nations Early Warnings for All.

“It is, therefore, crucial that we ensure our seasonal forecasting processes are reliable and validated to enable accurate and actionable prediction.

“We hope the outcome of this four-day exercise will provide our society with the necessary climate decision support to reduce the impact of climate disasters and boost productivity, “ he said.

He said the 2024 regional climate outlook was timely as weather and climate events continued to take a toll on the region, despite tremendous advances and investments in climate science and operational forecasting.

He listed weather related hazards to include- early or later onset of rainy seasons, droughts, floods and extended periods of extreme temperatures which trigger and account for a greater proportion of disaster losses.

“NiMet`s Seasonal Climate Prediction on Feb. 20, will continue to serve as  an early warning tool to ensure improved preparedness for climate disasters, protect lives and critical national assets toward sustainable economic development.

“We are fully committed to the regional climate outlook forum as it provides a platform for a consensus regional forecast, “ he said.

Speaking, Mr Clement Nze, Director -General of Nigeria Hydrological Service (NIHSA), said the collaborative efforts within the region to produce a regional forecast had been useful  in providing timely information to manage resources sustainably.

“ Last week, my agency presented the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for Nigeria.

“About 31 out of 36 states are expected to be flooded which calls for drastic early preventive actions to be taken.

“This effort is a testament to our commitment to use scientific methods and processes to tackle hydro-climatic challenges of this day and age.

“ This forum, when scaled down to national level, often agrees with the predictions made, and serves as complementary for disaster risk management,“ he added. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Rotimi Ijikanmi