The Federal Government has renewed its assurance that social dialogue will remain central to resolving labour disputes and improving workplace standards, while also deepening collaboration with trade unions to better equip Nigerian workers for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering harmonious industrial relations, promoting decent work, and building an enabling environment where both employers and employees can thrive.
Dingyadi noted that despite the economic and technological pressures affecting various sectors, unions have continued to demonstrate resilience and professionalism. He assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on strengthening labour-government cooperation to improve workers’ welfare nationwide.
“ASCSN has proven to be a dependable partner in our shared mission. Your constructive participation in tripartite engagements, especially on job security, labour standards, and productivity, is highly appreciated,” he said. “As the world of work evolves, we must collaborate to provide workers with the skills and protections needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.”
He urged union members to use the NEC meeting to reflect on emerging issues in the labour sector, uphold ethical unionism, and generate proposals that support the government’s drive for peace, fairness, and sustainable development.
In his address, ASCSN National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, highlighted key achievements made by the union’s leadership over the past year. These include the relocation of the national secretariat to Abuja, ongoing building projects, staff training initiatives, efforts to amend the contributory pension scheme, restoration of gratuities, and the settlement of outstanding promotion arrears.
Mohammed raised concerns about worsening insecurity across the country, noting that union members have not been spared from kidnappings, killings, and other criminal attacks. He appealed to the Federal Government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture and called on state governors to intensify efforts in securing their states.
To prevent abuse of state police if eventually adopted, he recommended, that State Police Commissions be made up of labour representatives, traditional rulers, political party representatives, students, religious groups, prominent citizens, and civil society organisations, to ensure accountability and prevent political misuse.
The ASCSN president also encouraged members to remain committed to the union’s mission, warning them against individuals whose motives run contrary to the progress of the association.
“Our leadership remains focused on strengthening this union to ensure it continues to stand out as a strong advocate for workers’ welfare within Nigeria’s labour community,” he added.
