FG: We’re Committed to Fixing Poverty, Unemployment

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The federal government has said it was committed to taking immediate action to tackle poverty and unemployment.
The Minister for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said this weekend during a meeting with top officials of the ministry in Abuja.

She urged the ministry’s leadership to adopt a private sector-driven approach, emphasising efficiency and productivity in fulfilling the ministry’s objectives.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Emameh Gabriel, she said there was a need for a result-oriented approach within the ministry akin to that found in the private sector.

Onyejeocha said the shift was essential to fulfilling the proposed achievements outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.
She said: “We need concrete results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our programmes. Business as usual won’t cut it. We must work as people in the private sector; focused, accountable, and results-oriented. We are currently engaging development partners.”

The minister emphasised the ministry’s crucial role in achieving the President’s agenda, aligning with six of its eight points.
She said: “At the end of every week, I would like to have the report of every department. I have never been in the last position and I don’t want to find myself there. Everybody will fail when the Ministry of Labour cannot account for the people we took out of the street and employed.

“The ministry is committed to taking immediate action to tackle poverty and unemployment. We will hold the Head of every department accountable for the achievements outlined in the president’s agenda.

“Out of the eight Renewed Hope Agenda, Labour is concerned with six. We have a serious task to accomplish. So, we need to work hard on our template. I am passionate about reducing poverty in Nigeria because our position is directed to humanity.
“Nigerians are tired of conferences; words alone are not enough. What we need now is results, and Nigerians need to see employment and empowerment.

“I am no longer interested in teaching how to fish. I want to see the fish that have been harvested. Nigerians should see the fish of those who were taught how to fish. The reduction of poverty in Nigeria is waiting for no date. So, all work against poverty and unemployment starts now.”