By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called for a stronger partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to improve labour reporting, enhance journalists’ welfare, and increase public awareness of the Ministry’s programmes and activities.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, who led members of the executive and the Chapel to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Kamil Ayinde Shoretire, described the media as an essential partner in promoting the Ministry’s mandate and assured the journalists of continued access to timely and accurate information.
“We are partners, and we want to continue strengthening that relationship. We will keep providing Nigerians with accurate and reliable information about the work we do,” Shoretire said.
He explained that the Ministry’s responsibilities extend beyond mediating disputes between employers and employees, noting that it also formulates labour policies, promotes industrial harmony, inspects workplaces for compliance with labour laws, enforces international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria, promotes occupational safety and health standards, and resolves labour-related complaints through statutory mechanisms.
The Permanent Secretary also urged journalists to verify information before publication, warning that misinformation circulating on social media often misrepresents government activities.
“The advent of social media has made it easy for people to circulate unverified information as facts. We are accessible. Reach out to us and verify your facts before publishing,” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the Chapel, Chairman Comrade Felix Ojo said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Ministry while encouraging broader media coverage of labour and employment issues beyond industrial disputes.
“Most reports about the Ministry focus on conflicts between employers and labour unions. From what we have heard today, the Ministry is carrying out many important programmes. We want to partner with you to give Nigerians a better understanding of your activities,” Ojo said.
He appealed to the Ministry to support the Chapel through regular capacity-building programmes, professional training, welfare initiatives and other institutional partnerships that would improve journalists’ productivity and strengthen labour reporting.
Ojo also sought the Ministry’s intervention in promoting journalists’ safety and addressing cases of harassment and unlawful arrest of media practitioners while carrying out their professional duties.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Chapel’s Cooperative and Investment Committee, Mr. Raymond Nyayoti, requested the Ministry’s assistance in facilitating partnerships with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and other relevant agencies to strengthen the Chapel’s cooperative society and improve members’ welfare.
“We are not asking for direct financial support. We are seeking collaboration with relevant institutions that can help strengthen our cooperative and improve the welfare of our members,” Nyayoti said.
Responding, Shoretire assured the delegation that the Ministry would consider the requests within the limits of its statutory responsibilities.
He also directed the Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Annah Daniel, to serve as the liaison officer between the Ministry and the Chapel to facilitate communication, improve information sharing and identify areas of collaboration.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation, responsible labour reporting, improved information sharing and initiatives aimed at promoting journalists’ welfare and enhancing public understanding of labour and employment issues in Nigeria.
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