Simon Lalong, the former governor of Plateau state, has been officially named as the Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria. This appointment comes two weeks after Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President, designated him for this crucial role.
The decision was confirmed by the labor ministry’s website, which outlined Mr. Lalong’s key responsibilities in his new position. At the forefront of his duties is the task of formulating and promoting productive employment policies and programs aimed at generating employment opportunities and achieving the Federal Government’s national employment objectives.
Among the various responsibilities assigned to him are:
- Provision of Social Security Coverage and Welfare: Mr. Lalong will be in charge of ensuring comprehensive social security coverage and welfare benefits for the nation’s workforce.
- Employee Compensation: He will oversee the implementation of employee compensation policies and mechanisms to safeguard the interests of workers.
- Labour Protection: Mr. Lalong will be responsible for supervising and enforcing labor-related services, as well as promoting education and social justice within the workforce.
- National Labour Laws and Policies: A key aspect of his role involves ratifying, implementing, and reviewing national labor laws and policies, including agreements reached through collective bargaining.
- Trade Union Education and Training: He will oversee the education and training initiatives for trade unions, empowering workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- International Labour Diplomacy: Mr. Lalong will engage in international labor diplomacy, representing Nigeria’s interests and collaborating with other countries on labor-related matters.
- Promotion of Occupational Safety and Health: He will work towards enhancing occupational safety and health standards across various industries, ensuring a safe working environment for all.
- Enforcement of Labour Laws: A critical aspect of his role is to ensure the enforcement of labor laws across the nation.
