FG Backs Skilled Labour Migration, Insists on Due Process

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Government says it has no objection to skilled Nigerian workers seeking opportunities abroad, provided such migration follows due process.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, stated this in Abuja while receiving the management team of Democracy Radio 104.9 FM led by the Acting General Manager, Uju Nwachukwu, on a courtesy visit.

Maigari-Dingyadi explained that labour migration is a global practice that benefits both sending and receiving countries when properly regulated.

“What is most disturbing is that people use other ways to cut corners to go out looking for greener pastures, and by the time they do that, one can never know the kind of dangers they put themselves into. Otherwise, exchanging labour is normal from country to country. As long as it is processed within the legal context, we will promote it, we will encourage it, because it will be good for the economy of both countries,” the minister said.

He, however, stressed that government is mindful of the impact of migration on critical sectors, particularly healthcare, and is working to address challenges.

“We are working day and night with medical professionals to ensure we improve their condition of service so they stay and work for their country. What is most important is that we make the environment attractive for them. If we are not bothered about their welfare, many of them might go somewhere else while we are in need of their services,” he added.

The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for the ministry to deliver on its mandate.

Earlier in her remarks, Democracy Radio’s Acting General Manager, Uju Nwachukwu, who was accompanied by the station’s Assistant Head of News, Chinedu Echianu, called for greater collaboration between the ministry and the station.

She noted that Democracy Radio, a brainchild of the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, is committed to bridging the information gap between government and the people.