Federal Ministry of Labour, HuCaPAN organises National Workshop for Private Employment Agencies

By Our Reporter

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, has organised its 6th Annual National Workshop for Private Employment Agencies in Nigeria.

The theme of this years’ workshop was “Achieving Decent Work in Third-Party Employment: The Role of the Stakeholders”. The workshop held in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

In his opening remarks, the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, President, Mr Aderemi Adegboyega appreciated the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the partnership.

He said, “This is the third of the series we are having this year. We were earlier in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

“Our aim is to ensure that we have a better working environment for workers. This is our interest. We will do justice to the technical session. Our partners are welcome. All stakeholders are important to us.

“We appreciate the Permanent Secretary for being with us here. Your presence has assured us of the importance you accord this workshop. Your contribution to this workshop is very important.”

The International Labour Organisation, ILO, Country Director who as represented at the workshop said that ILO trained HuCaPAN and NECA on the Code of Conduct. She noted that ILO is celebrating 100 years this year.

“We are looking at the future of work. If we have to achieve decent work, private employers are key to achieving that.”

The Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Abuja Chapter congratulated the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and HuCaPAN for the effort to achieve a decent working environment stating that, they are ready to partner with the ministry and HuCaPAN to put an end to indiscriminate sack.

“We must provide social services for all workers. We are consistently at the forefront of the campaign for the protection of workers’ rights.”

The Director-General, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, who was also represented stated that productivity in Nigeria is low. “We believe that if workers are assured of social protection, the workers would be productive. We are happy with the HuCaPAN for this capacity building workshop”.

While giving his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr William Alo
welcomed participants to the capacity building workshop.

He said, “The purpose is to strengthen the capacity of employers. The focus is on the role of stakeholders in achieving decent work in Third-party employment”.

He added that to “Conform to the international best standard and increasing investment in people’s capability and decent work, there’s a need to reinvigorate social protection in order to improve productivity.”

He urged the PEAs to ensure the payment of the minimum wage signed and the recent consequential adjustment. “Ensure that your employees are paid the new minimum wage. Pay your workers above the Minimum Wage. Ensure your members adhere to your Code of Conduct.”

There were presentations on various topics at different technical sessions. These include, “Private Employment Agencies in the Era of Globalisation: Challenges and Responses” facilitated by Remi Adegboyega, “Achieving Decent Work in Third-Party Employment: The Role of the Stakeholders” and “Manpower Outsourcing in Nigeria and the Future of the World of Work” by Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo.

Others were: “The Regulatory Role of the Ministry of Labour in Managing Compliance” by Mr Joseph Akpan; “Service Level Agreements – Responsibilities of Parties” was facilitated Mr. Oritseneye Enemigin, “Outsourcing Practice and Rights at Work” was facilitated by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson and “The Concept of Fairness in Employment Relationship” by Mr Solomon Adebosin.

The workshop communique was read and the participants made a commitment to put the lessons learned to use.

Participants were drawn from HuCaPAN officials and members, other Private Employment Agencies, Ministry of Labour and Employment officials, NECA and labour unions.