The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeacha, has emphasised that President Bola Tinubu is commited to economic diversification and job creation.
Delivering a keynote address at the National Directorate for Employment (NDE) Special Day at the Kano International Trade Fair in Kano, Thursday, Onyejeocha cited Tinubu’s participation in global events like the G-20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Conference as proof of his dedication to attracting foreign direct investments and bolstering economic growth beyond oil dependence.
Onyejeocha acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians and highlighted government initiatives to alleviate them, including N35,000 wage increase for civil servants, N100 billion investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power buses; five executive orders to improve business conditions; a large-scale conditional cash transfer programme for 15 million households; efforts to address inherited debts and reduce tax burdens.
The minister, who commended the trade fair’s theme, ‘Economic Diversification: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’, for aligning with the government’s economic agenda, noted the ongoing dialogue with investors to address concerns like multiple taxation and investment barriers.
She outlined key initiatives for economic diversification beyond oil; exporting ICT personnel and financial management expertise; improving power generation; achieving greater food security; implementing budgetary reforms for higher GDP growth; rebuilding the economy through agriculture, macro and small enterprise support, and market-driven skills acquisition programmes.
On youth and women empowerment, Onyejeocha announced a five-year NDE roadmap focused on skills acquisition and development for youth and women, aiming to empower the unemployed and stimulate economic activity.
She expressed gratitude to the Kano Chamber of Commerce for facilitating exchange among businesses and commended NDE-sponsored entrepreneurs, encouraging unemployed youth and graduates to follow their example.
