The Federal Government says an estimated 600 million new jobs will be needed by the year 2030 to addres the growth of the global working age population. Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said this during the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Century and 60 years of ILO Anniversary on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ngige, represented by Mr Williams Alo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said that approximately 40 million jobs would be needed annually to achieve this target. According to him, it is internationally recognised that decent work is fundamental to sustainable development.

“It is estimated that over 600 million new jobs need to be created by the year 2030 that is approximately 40 million jobs annually to keep pace with the growth of the global working age population.

“The importance of decent work in achieving sustainable development is highlighted by Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals which aims to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”.

“To this end therefore, putting job creation at the heart of economic policy-making and development plans, will not only generate decent work opportunities but also more robust, inclusive and poverty-reducing growth.

“It is a virtuous circle that is as good for the economy as it is for people and one that drives sustainable development.

“I wish to inform you that in line with international best practice, decent work for all Nigerians is at the heart of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration,” he said.

The minister said that Buhari had approved and signed the new Minimum Wage Act that guarantees N30,000 minimum wage, for Nigerian workers both at the state and federal levels. He, however, noted that the Federal Government in 2018 had approved the National Employment Policy in its bid to institutionalise the pillars of decent work as well as secure the future of work, among others.

The minister stressed that the ILO has been committed to promoting and creating standards that ensure decent work for all. (NAN)