FG moves to end casualisation, deepen local content — Labour Minister
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to ending casualisation of workers and deepening local content across key industries as part of efforts to promote decent work, protect Nigerian workers, and strengthen inclusive economic growth.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, stated this in Abuja at the Annual Labour Conference of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN), where he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure fair employment practices that align with international labour standards.
According to Dingyadi, the theme of this year’s conference, “Local Content, Casualisation and Fair Labour Migration,” was timely and strategic, as it touched on the foundation of Nigeria’s national development agenda.
“It is about protecting Nigerian workers, promoting fair employment practices, and ensuring that labour contributes meaningfully to sustainable national growth within a rapidly changing global economy,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that the principle of local content goes beyond economic policy, describing it as “a statement of national self-determination.” He explained that it seeks to ensure Nigerians are active participants and beneficiaries in industries operating within the country through employment, skills development, and value addition.
Dingyadi noted that the Federal Government has continued to expand local content policies beyond the oil and gas sector into manufacturing, ICT, and renewable energy, adding that his Ministry is aligning its programmes with this objective.
“Our collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) continues to strengthen vocational and technical competencies, ensuring that Nigerian workers can compete globally while meeting domestic industrial needs,” Dingyadi stated.
Speaking on the menace of casualisation, Dingyadi described it as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the world of work in Nigeria.
“The proliferation of insecure, short-term, and poorly remunerated employment relationships undermines work morale, productivity, and the broader objective of decent work for all,” he said.
He added that addressing casualisation is central to the government’s pursuit of social justice and inclusive growth.
To tackle the problem, the Minister said the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, through its Labour Inspectorate Department, has intensified efforts to enforce compliance with the Labour Act.
“We are engaging with employers, including private employment agencies, to regularize non-standard employment arrangements and promote collective bargaining mechanisms that balance flexibility with fairness,” he said.
He further disclosed that the ongoing review of Nigeria’s labour laws will introduce modern provisions to regulate new forms of work, including contract and platform-based labour, in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and global best practices.
On labour migration, Dingyadi stressed that migration must be fair, regular, and beneficial to both Nigeria and destination countries.
“Our Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy and the Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies seek to eliminate illegal intermediaries, curb trafficking for labour exploitation, and promote transparent job matching through registered agencies in line with ILO Convention 181,” he noted.
While commending the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria for its consistent role in promoting dialogue on labour issues, Dingyadi urged the media to continue upholding journalistic excellence.
“The conversation around local content, casualisation, and fair labour migration is ultimately about the dignity of work and the future of our workforce. The Federal Government remains committed to creating an environment where businesses thrive, workers are protected, and national prosperity is inclusive,” the Minister said.
