Onyejeocha- My Role as Wage Mediator, A Daunting Career Task

In an insightful interview, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reflects on her accomplishments over the past year as the primary wage negotiator between the government and labor unions while spearheading significant labor policies. Folalumi Alaran shares some highlights:

Reflecting on your year as Minister of State for Labour, how does your experience in civil service compare to your time in the National Assembly?

“My background in administrative roles isn’t new; I’ve previously served as a commissioner in Abia State and as the chairperson of my local government. However, I must emphasize that my current role encompasses a wider array of responsibilities, as I’m now addressing national mandates that require a broader expertise and a profound dedication to our country.

After a year in this role, I certainly notice significant differences from my days in the National Assembly. As Minister, I’m tasked with developing initiatives and implementing policies, while in the Assembly, my focus was on crafting legislation. The civil service demands more operational oversight, whereas legislative work revolves around debate and lawmaking. That said, both roles require collaboration, engagement with stakeholders, and a commitment to advocating for the public. Ultimately, the underlying commonality remains our dedication to bettering the lives of our constituents.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity, which has allowed me to oversee Nigeria’s labor ecosystem. It’s been an enriching experience, and I deeply appreciate President Tinubu for entrusting me with this responsibility, enabling me to positively influence the lives of Nigerians once again.”

When you took office, you brought a fresh enthusiasm and a private-sector mindset to the ministry, highlighted by the high-profile closure of a factory in Lagos for safety violations. How do you view the current state of occupational safety compliance compared to when you first started?

“I firmly believe that applying a private-sector mentality to public service is crucial for progress. We need to approach civil service with the same urgency as businesses do. This shift can significantly enhance productivity, leading to real developmental outcomes.

When I stepped into this position, I was struck by the concerning state of occupational safety within Nigerian companies, particularly those operated by foreign investors. A visit to a car battery manufacturing facility in Ogun State left me nearly speechless due to its hazardous environment and blatant disregard for safety regulations, endangering workers’ health. Such conditions simply do not exist in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, our outdated laws impose minimal penalties, which encourages offenders to remain noncompliant—an example being a meager N1,000 fine for life-threatening violations.

We’re currently collaborating with the National Assembly to update our labor laws to reflect the seriousness of these issues. Concurrently, our Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department is conducting workshops to inform the public about workplace safety. Once the new legislation is put into place, we will ramp up enforcement, ensuring that companies operating in Nigeria adhere to strict safety standards. We’re committed to addressing these challenges one step at a time, prioritizing the safety of our citizens.”

As the first female minister to lead the Ministry of Labour, how have you balanced managing various agencies while fostering productive industrial relations?

“Taking on this role as the first female minister in the Ministry of Labour, I’ve approached it with a keen awareness of my dual responsibility—especially following the former Governor of Plateau State, Hon Simon Lalong’s departure for the Senate shortly after we took office. While it has been challenging, my focus has been on cultivating strong relationships within the agencies we oversee, encouraging open communication, and empowering their leadership to drive results.

I’ve initiated regular meetings to receive updates from department heads aligned with our Key Performance Index (KPI) to track progress. Alongside this, I’ve prioritized industrial relations by engaging with stakeholders to address pressing concerns and promote harmonious labor practices. My strategy has been collaborative and solution-oriented, acknowledging the interconnectedness of our mandates.

A recent example highlights this: just before traveling to the June 2024 International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, we faced a potentially contentious situation during minimum wage negotiations. Many expected conflict between the government and organized labor. However, we presented a united front, reflecting our commitment to collaboration and mutual understanding. Through integrity and shared values, we transformed a volatile situation into a demonstration of cooperation and collective progress.

As a result, we’ve made significant headway in enhancing labor relations, resolving disputes, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. I’m proud of these achievements as they affirm our commitment to positive change. Notably, Nigeria wasn’t questioned on any Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work during the 2024 ILC, clearing the double query from 2023. This is a significant achievement and indicates our adherence to international labor standards.”

How did you manage the balance between your loyalty to the government and your duty to represent the interests of the people during the negotiations that led to the N70,000 minimum wage approval?

“Navigating the delicate balance between my loyalty to the government and my responsibility to advocate for the people was indeed a complex task. As Minister of Labour, my focus was on promoting the welfare of Nigerian workers while ensuring transparent and honest communication among the government, organized labor, and the private sector.

Serving as a mediator across all parties during the minimum wage negotiations was among the most challenging experiences of my career. The process presented numerous complexities, necessitating a blend of tact, empathy, and strategic thinking.

While it was crucial to address the government’s concerns regarding economic viability, I also had to advocate for the rights and demands of Nigerian workers and the private sector, who had been waiting for a wage increase. Ultimately, through open dialogue, transparency, and conflict resolution skills, we identified common ground.

I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu, who provided essential support during the negotiation process. Through perseverance and a dedication to social justice, we successfully mediated these discussions, leading to the historic approval of the N70,000 minimum wage.”

What new initiatives have you introduced since taking office, and how have they enhanced the ministry’s performance?

“Our approach has pivoted from merely resolving industrial disputes to implementing innovative policies focused on job creation and fostering positive work environments across the public and private sectors. Our mission is to build an ecosystem where workers can thrive, backed by policies that prioritize their well-being.

One noteworthy initiative is the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), which was spotlighted by President Bola Tinubu in his 64th Independence Day address. On the administrative front, I’ve implemented bi-monthly top management meetings with all directors and agency heads within the ministry. This initiative has improved our ability to monitor progress, address issues efficiently, and enhance collaboration, significantly boosting our performance.

Could you elaborate on the LEEP initiative?

“LEEP was pre-launched in the second quarter of this year and aims to create new jobs, particularly in the green sector. We are training technicians to convert vehicles from petrol to CNG-powered engines.

Additionally, the program focuses on vocational and entrepreneurship training for youth and women, promoting self-sufficiency and job creation. This is translating into tangible benefits for the ministry and the nation.

LEEP is designed as a comprehensive suite of interventions aimed at creating 2.5 million jobs—both directly and indirectly—while ensuring worker welfare and safety. Key projections include equipping 2.5 million unemployed individuals with skills and resources across six geopolitical zones, nurturing the talents of our youth to access multiple income streams, increasing ministry revenue by 120%, cutting the annual unemployment rate by 50%, and achieving a threefold multiplier effect in capital investment to maximize impact.”

What’s the status of amending obsolete labor laws as initiated by the former administration?

“We are actively collaborating with the National Assembly to review and modernize outdated labor laws. This process is ongoing, and I assure you that we’re committed to expediting the implementation of updated legislation to ensure our laws remain relevant and effective.”

Why do you believe child labor persists in Nigeria despite government efforts?

“Nigeria has made significant strides in combating child labor over recent years, thanks to support from organizations like the International Labour Organization through various initiatives. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in conjunction with the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour, is proactively collaborating with social partners, NGOs, and government agencies to address this critical issue.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impeded some progress, and the current economic climate is affecting families. We remain committed to improving social protection and implementing poverty eradication programs outlined in the President’s Eight-Point Agenda, which aims to reduce out-of-school rates, thereby decreasing child labor prevalence in the near future.

The recent Child Labour and Forced Labour survey identified certain areas with high prevalence rates. We are planning advocacy visits to the Nigeria Governors Forum and specific governors to encourage policies that combat poverty, which is a primary driver of child labor. We’re dedicated to reducing this issue and lifting families out of poverty.”

Regarding the government’s plans to implement productivity-based wages for workers, what’s the timeline?

“The committee is still finalizing the report, as it hasn’t addressed all segments of the public sector yet. We anticipate the report will be completed by early next year, followed by stakeholder sessions to gather feedback before the final submission.”

Do you think Nigeria is prepared for a productivity performance-based wage system?

“Absolutely, Nigeria is ready for a productivity-linked reward system. It is essential to acknowledge performance differences and incentivize high achievement in public service.”

What’s your guiding philosophy in life, and how do you unwind after a demanding week?

“My life philosophy is rooted in hard work, faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in God’s love. I faced challenges early on, including the loss of my mother and grandmother. Yet, through God’s grace, I navigated those trials. I trust in divine guidance and have learned to rely on God’s mercy.

I find strength and solace in fellowship with fellow believers, engaging in worship and celebration, which refreshes my spirit.”