Victor EzejaAs the world commemorates International Workers’ Day today, May 1, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has reiterated the need for strong investment in human capital development as a way of bridging the shortage of skilled workforce and boosting productivity in the country.
In a statement via his X handle on Thursday, Obi expressed concerns that Nigeria’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world, noting that such trend is fuelling criminality and social vices.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to him, this can be reversed through robust investments in a productive population to increase skilled workers and engage people, especially youths, with meaningful jobs and reduce criminality in the country.
“Nigeria has an unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and a youth unemployment and under-employment rate of over 45%, which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices,” Obi stated.
“Aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production. This, as I have consistently maintained, we can achieve by investing in education, health and fighting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses,” he emphasised.
Obi noted that International Workers’ Day is a time to celebrate workers for their unwavering commitment and immense contributions to drive the nation’s growth.
He stated that a day like this “offers opportunity to appreciate every Nigerian worker at different levels of government, across different agencies, private industries and business sectors,” adding that their “legitimate labours form the energy that propels our nation.”
He further observed that despite the struggles and harsh realities faced by Nigerian workers who are contending with economic and political challenges, they have “continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth.”
READ ALSO: Nigerians Counter Report On Massive Drop In Price Of Rice
He stressed the need for the creation of an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation.
“As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognise the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to moving the nation from consumption to production. We remain committed to our struggle to create a society that recognises and rewards productivity, integrity, and honest labour.”
Obi called on all workers to continue working together to move the country from consumption to production.
“We remain committed to our struggle to create a society that recognises and rewards productivity, integrity, and honest labour.
“Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future, where every worker can thrive and where their talents and skills will match their opportunities in life,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
