President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the sacked Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr Nasiru Ladan Argungu, to handover all government properties in his possession.
The President issued the directive through the supervising Minister and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo; who also announced Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, as the new Acting Director-General of the NDE.
Apart from the stern warning given to Landan, the President also directed the new acting director-general “to ensure a proper handover to him by Dr Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu of all government properties in his possession.”
The appointment of Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo was announced on Wednesday in a letter signed by the Mr Keyamo. Mallam Fikpo’s appointment in acting capacity is with effect from Monday, December 7, 2020.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Information & Public relations, NDE, Mr Edmund Onwuliri, until his appointment, Fikpo who was the Zonal Director at the North West zonal office of the NDE in Kaduna; holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from the University of Maiduguri and a Master of Science degree in the same field from the University of Ibadan.
His tour of duty in the Directorate has seen him serve in various capacities such as State Coordinator Adamawa State, pioneer Director of Procurement as well as Director, Finance and Accounts.
Also, a statement from Mr Charles Akpan, the Deputy Director/Head Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour said the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has directed Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo to take over as the Acting Director-General of the NDE.
ALSO READ: Credit facilities from govt not for frivolous spending, Fayemi tells beneficiaries
He said the directive authorises Mallam Fikpo to take over the administration of the Agency in acting capacity pending ratification by the President.
In a letter to Fikpo dated December 8, 2020, titled: “Appointment as Acting Director-General of National Directorate of Employment,” the Minister said: “Following the directive of Mr President relieving Dr Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu as the Director-General of National Directorate of Employment, you are hereby directed to take over as the Acting Director-General of the Agency pending ratification by Mr President. This is to ensure there is no vacuum in the administration of the Agency.”
Keyamo enjoined the Acting Director-General to ensure a smooth and efficient running of the Agency.
The President had earlier directed the Minister of State for Labour and Employment to propose an Acting Director-General from among the Senior Directors of NDE based on competence and seniority to take over from Dr Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu pending the appointment of a substantive holder of that post.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier relieved Dr Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu of his post as the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment.