Labour ministry seeks improved funding for activities

The Ministry of State Labour and Employment has requested for more funds and improved budgetary allocation to fund its programmes and activities, which are very vital to economic development and growth of the country.

The ministry made the request, even as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni declared that the Federal Government is poised to get many youths out of unemployment.

Ocheni who spoke during an oversight visit of the House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity; to the ministry, said the ministry required additional funds to carry out its activities and programmes.

He stated that the activities of the ministry are necessary for the efficient economic growth of the country as they affect the most important factors of production, which is human resources; adding that the ministry needs to play greater roles in the development of skills for the teeming workforce.

He pointed out that to effectively carry out its mandate, the ministry requires improved funding of its programmes and activities through improved budgetary appropriation.

“I would like to use this opportunity to advocate for improved budgetary allocation when the time comes.” Ocheni said

The Minister added: “The main focus of this ministry in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (GRGP) of the present administration is to get as many people out of unemployment and create a conducive environment for the promotion of enterprise and decent work for citizens, while maintaining harmonious working relationship between the workers, unions and employers in workplaces nationwide”.

In his address, the Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity Hon. Francis Ezenwa, stated that the committee was in the ministry for oversight visit and to see what the ministry has done so far on appropriation, and the progress made on its mandate.