By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Government yesterday said that unregulated and disorderly labour migration exposes workers to vulnerabilities, including exploitation, abuse, and precarious working conditions.
This came as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said that proper management of labour migration can aid Nigeria’s economic development.
The Minister stated this in Abuja as he flagged off this year’s National Employment Council meeting, which the Ministry had organized.
Noting that effective labour migration is anchored on sound policies and strategies, the Minister disclosed that stakeholders at the meeting would deliberate on inputs to the National Employment Policy.
He explained that proper regulations would harness the economic benefits of Labour migration while safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrant workers.
Dangyadi highlighted the benefits of regular labour migration, and the ills associated with irregular labour migration.
In a statement by Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations, the Minister said, “Labour migration, when effectively managed, can serve as a powerful tool for economic development and national growth.
“However, unregulated and disorderly migration exposes workers to vulnerabilities, including exploitation, abuse, and precarious working conditions.
“It is, therefore, imperative that we examine our policies and strategies to promote safe, orderly, and regular pathways for labour migration while also leveraging migration to drive employment creation at home.”
Dangyadi explained that the Council meeting, with the theme “Labour Migration Governance and Employment Creation,” would provide comprehensive stakeholder input to enrich the National Employment Policy.
The event’s participants included representatives of the federal ministries of Trade and Investment, Information, and National Orientation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and the National Commission of Refugees, Migrants, and Persons with Disabilities.
