Labour union to enhance worker performance with digital skill
Bola Tinubu
Labour union to enhance worker performance with digital skill.
President Bola Tinubu has tasked labour union to equip workers with digital skills as work evolves globally.
The President also pledged to continue to prioritise education, vocational training and digital literacy initiatives.
He also restated his administration’s commitment to protect workers’ rights, eliminate exploitation and promote safe working conditions for workers.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Friday at the inaugural quadrennial delegates conference of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) with the theme: “The future of work- Ensuring fair labour practices and economic justice in a digital era”.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, said the government has a responsibility to prioritise and protect the rights of workers in Nigeria following the risk associated with the digital revolution.
He said: “As we navigate the complexities of the digital revolution, we must ensure that the rights and dignity of workers remain at the forefront of our national agenda.
“Although technology has the power to transform industries, create new opportunities and drive economic growth, it poses risks, automation, job displacement and widening inequalities. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to harness the benefits of digital innovation while safeguarding the principles of fairness, equity and justice.
“On the part of the government, our administration is unwaveringly committed to fostering an environment where every Nigerian worker can thrive on different fronts, such as promoting fair labour practices. We will strengthen labour laws to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe working conditions and eliminate exploitation.
“As work evolves globally, we must equip our workers with the skills needed to succeed in a digital economy. We shall continue prioritizing education, vocational training and digital literacy initiatives.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to increase opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their background. To this end, let us all commit to a Nigeria where every worker, irrespective of industry or background, enjoys fair labour practices and economic justice.”
Tinubu also commended the leaders of TUC for their dedication to the welfare of workers and their role in shaping policies that promote social and economic progress.
He said: “Your demand for better economic conditions following the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 and your subsequent active participation in negotiations with the government culminating in the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers today attest to your invaluable efforts. You are integral to our mission to build a Nigeria where every citizen can achieve their full potential.”
He charged the delegates to put aside sentiments and elect new officials who would lead the TUC in advocating for the rights and welfare of workers across Nigeria.
President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo has urged the federal government to tackle insecurity, unemployment, out-of-school-children, and workers welfare.
He also said food insecurity in the country would only continue to worsen due to rising cases of insecurity.
Osofi while noting that insecurity was making it impossible for farmers to tend to their farmlands, added that unemployment was also fueling the insecurity.
He said: “One of the reasons the food prices are skyrocketing today is actually because of the insecurity we are facing in places like Plateau, Benue Borno and I could go on and on because everybody wants to preserve their lives because when you go to farm, their lives are not safe.
“The middle belt of Plateau and Benue is the food basket of our country, and this has greatly affected us. We call on the government to take decisive steps to ensure that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is addressed because that is our primary responsibility as a government.
“We have a lot of Nigerian youths who are unemployed; we are feeding the insecurity net. We are actually saying that if people don’t have jobs, people could take to alternative means. We call on government to see how we can sit down on a round table and develop strategies and systems with which we would have sufficient employment as a country so that men and women who are able and are willing will have jobs to do.”
