The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past nine months, thanks to the dynamic leadership of Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. An accomplished politician with a wealth of experience, Onyejeocha has ushered in a new era of progress and innovation, bringing a fresh perspective to the ministry’s operations.
Upon assuming office amidst a fragile economy, Onyejeocha was well aware of the daunting challenges ahead. Her extensive legislative background and intimate understanding of the All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign promises provided her with the tools needed to address the escalating unemployment crisis exacerbated by Nigeria’s population growth. Determined to succeed, she set out to redefine the ministry’s role and impact.
As the first female minister in the ministry’s history, Onyejeocha has been a trailblazer, embodying the hopes and aspirations of women across the nation. Drawing on her extensive parliamentary service, she has demonstrated the strength and capability of female leadership, breaking new ground and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
One of Onyejeocha’s first major initiatives was the groundbreaking partnership announced at the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative stakeholders’ engagement and factory assembly tour in Lagos State. This collaboration aims to mobilize skilled workers and create 25,000 jobs for Nigerian technicians, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Onyejeocha emphasized that the PI-CNG initiative is not just a transportation solution but a job creation engine that empowers progress and builds a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Moreover, Onyejeocha has addressed a critical challenge often faced by government initiatives: the lack of robust metrics to measure their effectiveness. By establishing clear metrics, she ensures that the impact of government initiatives is not just measured in numbers but in the lives transformed. This approach is evident in the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP), which aims to provide the Nigerian workforce with the essential tools and opportunities to succeed in the digital era.
The LEEP initiative is designed to create jobs, foster decent work opportunities, and establish a conducive and sustainable environment for the nation’s burgeoning workforce. With the support of key development partners like the World Bank, UNIDO, and USAID, LEEP focuses on facilitating international remote work opportunities, equipping individuals with skills for self-employment and entrepreneurship, and enhancing digital literacy.
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his first year in office, his decision to entrust Onyejeocha with key responsibilities underscores her exceptional abilities. Her leadership within the Presidential Economy Coordinator Council (PECC) exemplifies this trust, bringing together a diverse range of leaders to strengthen economic governance and ensure coordinated planning and implementation.
President Tinubu’s commitment to merit-based leadership has consistently yielded impressive results, both in Lagos State and at the national level. Onyejeocha, as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, stands out as a shining example of this approach. Her impressive achievements and widespread recognition reflect her skillful policy formulation and implementation, driving meaningful change and improving the lives of Nigerians.
Under the visionary leadership of Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is charting a new course towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all Nigerians. Her approach and unwavering commitment to excellence are setting new standards and inspiring hope across the nation.
