Employment: Government to Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

Mrs. Halima Bitrus-Austin representative of the Director of Employment, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment 

The Federal Government has shifted focus from just employment creation to ensuring Nigerians get decent works.

This is according to Mrs. Halima Bitrus-Austin, an official of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment 

While walking participants--,including this reporter--at a Media Engagement and Capacity Building for Inclusive Reporting on Employment, Labour Migration and Decent Work,  through the contents of the National Employment Policy (NEP 2025) in Abuja Thursday.

Mr. Benjamin Oyekunle receiving his certificate of participation from Mrs. Chinyere Emeka Anuna, ILO Head of Programmes, Abuja Office while Mr. Anders Johnson, ILO Regional Communication Officer watches

Mrs. Bitrus-Austin clarified that the shift in focus did not translate to abandoning the mandate of the ministry to ensure enabling environment for job creation. She emphasized that the shift, would "impact positively rather than negatively on overall job creation."

She explained that the NEP was formulated first in 2002 and reviewed in 2017. She said changes brought about by technological innovations and other factors necessitated a review long overdue.

Samuel Folarin, a participant receives his certificate of participation 

Earlier in a Goodwill message she delivered on behalf of the Director of Employment, she commended the International Labour Organisation, (ILO) and its partners for organising the programme.

She said the event was timely as it came at a time "Nigeria continues to strengthen its labour market governance, and advance the cause of key national frameworks"

Mr. Adeniyi Bakare, President of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria receives his certificate 

Mrs Bitrus-Austin further acknowledge the role of the media "in shaping public perception, influencing public discourse, and amplifying awareness" as she noted the need for accurate reporting.

She concludes affirming the Ministry's full commitment "to supporting initiatives that promote decent work, fair recruitment, and gender-responsive labour migration governance."

The event was organised by ILO in partnership with Federal Government, German Cooperation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Nigerian-German Centre, and giz for media practitioners and civil society members.