HuCaPAN Donates Computers, Office Equipment to Ministry of Labour

By Lekan Babawale

The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, has donated computers and office equipment’s to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment as part of its Private Sector Support for Government Institution initiative to be more efficient in the discharge of their Constitutional responsibilities.

In his address during the presentation event held at the Ministry, the President of the Association, Mr. Remi Adegboyega who was represented by the Publicity Secretary, Otunba Tunji Balogun noted that HuCaPAN has been enjoying tremendous cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment since its creation about a decade ago saying that the partnership in the annual joint workshop has been robust and has significantly benefitted participants (members and non-members) in the area of capacity building and moving the industry forward.

Adegboyega appreciated the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FML&E), Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, the Minister of State, Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Permanent Secretary, Mr. William Nwankwo Alo, the Director of Employment and Wages, Mr. John Nyamali and other staff of the Ministry who have consistently given HuCaPAN the necessary support.

He stated that the Ministry approached HuCaPAN for support in the area of using technology to improve registration and regulation of Private Employment Agencies and as a responsible and responsive Association, “we intimated our ever supportive members and through their donations, we are presenting to you today, three (3) HP Desktop Computers, two (2) HP Laptops, (that is 5 high powered internet ready computers), One (1) HP Printer and an MTN HyNetflex broadband Table Modem with six months internet facility. All these equipment’s have one (1) year warranty each.” He added.

The President thanked all HuCaPAN members who despite the dwindling economy as a result of the deadly Corona Virus (COVID-19) spreading across the globe like a wildfire, still made it a point of duty to contribute to ensure that it became a reality.

Adegboyega congratulated the Minister and the entire Ministry on the success of the recently concluded retreat aimed at reviewing the entire labour laws in the country with technical support from key partners, especially, the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

HE said “We are pleased that all the social partners – the Government, Central Labour Organisation and the Employers Association (NECA) which have the statutory mandate to review labour standards for legislation as applicable in other parts of the world; agreed on most of the reviewed areas including the area which a private members bill seeks to amend at the House of Representatives. We commend the pro-activeness of the social partners in looking at the bill and other memoranda/papers holistically in line with the international best practices and the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The objective of updating our labour legislation for well-being of our working population and nation’s economic prosperity is most desirable at this time.

“As a responsible Association, we have been true to our objective which is to operate and promote standards/ethical practices in recruitment, deployment and management of outsourced personnel among Service Providers in Nigeria since inception.

“We have consistently campaigned against casualisation as we believe that it is against the principle of decent work. We are being guided by our Constitution and the Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies in Nigeria which was developed with the technical support from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, International Labour Organisation, and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). To further decent work agenda in Nigeria, we shall be true to our mantra – “anywhere a Nigerian is found working; he/she must have a decent work.”

“HuCaPAN is growing in number and network. Today, we have an international arm. These are recruiters for the international community. Honourable Minister, we appeal to you to use your good office to review the suspension of international recruitment; issuance and renewal of international recruitment licenses. A regulated and controlled activity in this area is the best way to curb human trafficking and unsafe labour migration.

“HuCaPAN members contribute significantly to the economy. It will interest you to know that currently, HuCaPAN members employ over Three Million 3,000,000 Nigerians of management and non-management cadre both in Nigeria and abroad. The volume of money paid as income in our industry has risen over the years to the tune of One Trillion and Four Hundred Billion Naira 1,400,000,000,000. Our members pay various forms of taxes & charges like: Company Income Tax, Withholding Tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Value Added Tax (VAT), ECA etc. to Federal and State Governments, and other Institutions/Agencies.

In his response, the representative of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FML&E), Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, the Director of Employment and Wages, Mr. John Nyamali appreciated HuCaPAn for the gesture saying that the Ministry is proud of the Association. He assured of the Ministry’s continuous support and collaboration to HuCaPAN.

Nyamali said, “On behalf of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FML&E), Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, I appreciate the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) for this kind gesture. It would help us in our bid to improve efficiency of our work at the Ministry. Meanwhile, you can not come to the Ministry and go empty handed. The Ministry is equally donating two (2) standing flex banners which can be used at HuCaPAN events.”

HuCaPAN urged that the ongoing review of the national labour legislation will spur the Nigerian Government to ratify the International Labour Convention (ILO) C181 – Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181) and accommodate it in the proposed Labour Act (Amendment) 2019.

Present at the event was the HuCaPAN President, Mr. Remi Adegboyega represented by the Publicity Secretary and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, XL Outsourcing Limited, Otunba Tunji Balogun, the Director of Employment and Wages, Mr. John Nyamali and his deputy, Mr Joseph Akpan; and the HuCaPAN Executive Secretary, Mr Olajide Afolabi. Other representatives of the Ministry were, Ms. Ero Hauwa, Mrs William C.U, and Mr. Akpabio S.D. while Mr Rex Bamidele, Mr Ifeanyi Nsofor and Mr Omole Isaac represented HuCaPAN.