From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has said that the proper management of labour migration can aid Nigeria’s economic development.
Dingyadi made this statement in Abuja as he flagged off this year’s National Employment Council meeting, organised by the Ministry.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Patience Onuobia.
Noting that effective labour migration is anchored on sound policies and strategies, the Minister disclosed that stakeholders at the meeting would deliberate on inputs to the National Employment Policy.
The Minister explained that proper regulations would harness the economic benefits of labour migration while safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrant workers.
Dingyadi highlighted the benefits of regular labour migration and the ills associated with irregular labour migration.
According to him, “Labour migration, when effectively managed, can serve as a powerful tool for economic development, as well as national growth. However, unregulated and disorderly migration exposes workers to vulnerabilities, including exploitation, abuse, and precarious working conditions.
“It is, therefore, imperative that we examine our policies and strategies to ensure the promotion of safe, orderly, and regular pathways for labour migration while also leveraging migration to drive employment creation at home.”
Dingyadi explained that the Council meeting, with the theme “Labour Migration Governance and Employment Creation,” would provide comprehensive stakeholder input to enrich the National Employment Policy.
Participants at the event included representatives of the federal ministries of Trade and Investment, Information and National Orientation; the Central Bank of Nigeria, National Directorate of Employment, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Persons with Disabilities.