MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

ONN Abuja 27/03/2024

Earlier today, I received in audience a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigerian (CIPEN) led by their President and Chairman, Governing Council, Engr. Israel E. Abraham.

Their visit aimed to discuss how the Ministry of Labour and Employment can work together with CIPEN to fight unqualified workers in the power sector, improve professionalism, and enhance the knowledge and skills of those working in this field.

Established by law in 2023, CIPEN has the authority to set the standards for knowledge and skills needed to be a power engineer in Nigeria.

We agreed on the dangers of unqualified workers in important industries like power and construction. I stressed my concern about the risks this poses to economic growth and even public safety.

Without properly trained professionals, these industries cannot function at their best. Untrained workers, if left unchecked, will continue to deliver poor quality work, leading to problems like building failures, power cuts, and even deaths.

I pledged federal government's full support to CIPEN's efforts to stop this trend. Our government's eight-point plan relies on skilled professionals to succeed. It is therefore crucial that only qualified people handle essential tasks in key sectors. At the same time, we need to protect qualified professionals and value those who have invested time and effort in getting the right qualifications.

This government is clear in its commitment: to deliver services that meet international standards. To achieve this, we need to address the issue of unqualified workers in Nigeria. It's not just about the economy; it's also about protecting lives.

If we don't work together to fight unqualified practitioners, we are basically throwing away the whole essense of education. We need to support qualified professionals and make sure they are valued. Building disasters are happening because we have left buildings business in the hands of untrained people. This can't go on any longer.

I also met with the leadership of the National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees, led by Mr. Garba Ibrahim. They came to pay a courtesy visit and update me on their progress over the past year.

I was pleased to hear about their investments in the water treatment and hospitality sectors, which have created jobs for more than 200 Nigerians.

I expressed my gratitude for their continued patriotism and their efforts to promoting peace, even in small ways.

-Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, PhD,

Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

27 - 3 - 2024