Labour Minister in Nigeria Calls for AI and Technology to Advance Skilled Workforce

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the nation’s workforce by prioritizing skills development in critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and green economies. In his address to journalists in Abuja, Dingyadi emphasized the profound impact that technological advancements, including AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, are having on the global labour market, reshaping industries and creating new challenges and opportunities for the workforce. With these changes accelerating at a rapid pace, Dingyadi stressed the importance of equipping Nigerians with the necessary skills to ensure they can thrive in this evolving digital economy.

Recognizing that the future of work is deeply intertwined with technological innovation and sustainability, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched several initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of digital and sustainable skills across the country. One of the flagship programmes, the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), is designed to address this need by training 2.5 million Nigerians annually over the next four years. This ambitious initiative aims to equip participants with the technical and soft skills necessary to succeed in the modern workforce, with a particular focus on areas such as AI, digital literacy, and green technologies. Dingyadi highlighted that the programme’s goal is not just to provide job-specific training but also to prepare individuals for the long-term changes that are shaping the global job market. By doing so, the programme seeks to position Nigeria as a leading player in the digital economy and ensure that its workforce remains competitive on the global stage.

In addition to the LEEP programme, Dingyadi pointed to the recent validation of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) as another key milestone in the government’s efforts to promote industrial peace and harmony. The NIRP aims to create a balanced and fair labour environment, where workers’ rights are protected while fostering productivity and economic growth. Dingyadi praised the policy as a crucial step towards strengthening industrial relations in the country, which he described as essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic stability. The validation of the NIRP also aligns with the ministry’s broader objective of creating a conducive environment for job creation, reducing industrial disputes, and enhancing the overall business climate.

Dingyadi’s commitment to improving the labour sector also extends to addressing the pressing issue of child labour and irregular migration. He acknowledged that these issues present significant challenges to Nigeria’s economic development and pledged to work with both local and international stakeholders to combat these harmful practices. He emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian, especially the youth, has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.

Youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent issues facing Nigeria, and Dingyadi has made it a priority to address this challenge. During his speech, he acknowledged the barriers that millions of young Nigerians face in securing stable and meaningful employment. He outlined the ministry’s commitment to tackling these obstacles through a combination of innovative policies and impactful programmes aimed at creating job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Dingyadi reiterated that these efforts are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the heart of the administration’s economic strategy. By fostering a culture of innovation, skill development, and sustainability, Dingyadi emphasized the government’s determination to transform the labour market and provide young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed.

The Abuja Job Fair 2024, with its theme “Empowering Nigerian Workforce with Green and Digital Skills,” served as a platform to showcase the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and preparing Nigerians for the future of work. The fair was designed not only to connect job seekers with potential employers but also to promote the development of green and digital skills that are becoming increasingly essential in the global job market. Dingyadi emphasized that job creation is not just about providing immediate opportunities but also about creating a sustainable framework that allows people to develop long-term careers in emerging industries.

To ensure the success of these initiatives, Dingyadi vowed that his ministry would continue to prioritize every aspect of its mandate, providing optimal attention to each programme and ensuring that the objectives are met. He also highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness about these efforts, noting that the press plays a vital role in communicating the ministry’s policies and initiatives to the public.

Patience Onuobia, the head of press and public relations for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, also spoke at the event, acknowledging the efforts of labour correspondents in supporting the ministry’s initiatives. She commended them for their professionalism and for helping to foster public understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the labour sector. Onuobia expressed her appreciation for the media’s contribution to the ministry’s success, highlighting how their work has been instrumental in advancing public knowledge about key issues such as employment, skills development, and industrial relations.

Overall, Dingyadi’s remarks underscore a broader vision for Nigeria’s labour market that is deeply embedded in technological advancement, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through a combination of targeted skills development programmes, strategic policy initiatives, and collaborations with stakeholders across various sectors, the government is working to ensure that Nigeria’s workforce is prepared to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and play an active role in the global economy.