The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has clarified that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment does not have the mandate to directly create jobs for Nigerians. He advised citizens not to look to the ministry for direct employment opportunities, as its primary focus is on facilitating an enabling environment for job creation.
Speaking on Thursday at the annual conference of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja, Dingyadi elaborated on the ministry's role. He emphasized that its responsibility lies in promoting sustainable development through policies and initiatives that support job creation, investment, and enhanced productivity, rather than offering direct employment.
Dingyadi stated, “You will agree with me that the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is never to give employment to people. Instead, our role is to create and maintain an environment that encourages job creation by fostering investments and supporting business growth.”
He further explained that the ministry’s mission aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation, sustained investment, and enhanced productivity to improve service delivery across the country. Dingyadi underscored the government’s commitment to economic recovery, stating that its focus is on driving sustainable growth through strategic policies and programs.
Reflecting on past discussions with government officials, Dingyadi shared an example, saying, “As you are aware, the ministry is not there to provide employment. For instance, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, once asked me for jobs, and I had to explain that we only create an enabling environment for job opportunities—we don’t give jobs directly.”
The minister highlighted the administration's achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, such as the negotiation of a new minimum wage, which showcases the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of workers and fostering economic development. He described these steps as critical to building a strong and inclusive economy.
“Mr. President is poised and committed to providing the requisite leadership and driving initiatives geared towards Nigeria’s economic recovery and transformation. This is evident in the recent successful negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers and deliberate efforts towards sustainable strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, innovation, and institutional reforms,” Dingyadi added.
He concluded by reiterating that the ministry’s role is indirect, focusing on policy formulation, infrastructure development, and fostering innovation to create opportunities. The emphasis, according to Dingyadi, remains on enabling job creation through strategic initiatives rather than direct employment.
