By Joan Nwagwu
The Federal Government has tasked labour reporters with ensuring accuracy, fairness, objectivity and responsibility in reporting labour and employment issues.
Dr Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, gave the charge at a one-day training workshop for labour reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.
Shoretire said the workshop was timely, given the significant place of labour and employment issues in national discourse and rapid transformation of the world of work.
He said technological advancement, artificial intelligence, changing employment patterns, demographic shifts and evolving industrial relations had increased the need for specialised labour reporting.
“Labour reporting goes beyond reporting strikes, wage negotiations, industrial disputes and meetings between government and organised labour.
“It requires a sound understanding of labour laws, industrial relations, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, social security and employment policies,” he said.
The permanent secretary said well-informed labour reporters served as important bridges between government, employers, workers, trade unions and the general public.
He said accurate and responsible reporting could promote constructive dialogue, while inaccurate, incomplete or sensational reports could create misunderstanding and heighten tensions.
“It is therefore very important for labour reporters to approach their profession with accuracy, fairness, objectivity and a clear understanding of the issues being reported.
“They must distinguish between facts, allegations, opinions and interpretations,” Shoretire said.
He said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of labour reporters to cover employment issues with greater depth, professionalism and accuracy.
Shoretire urged participants to interact with experts, ask questions, exchange ideas and build professional networks that would extend beyond the workshop.
He said the ministry recognised the media as a strategic partner in promoting sound labour administration and industrial peace.
“We therefore welcome constructive journalism that holds institutions accountable while also providing the public with balanced and reliable information,” he said.
Shoretire urged labour reporters to keep pace with emerging issues, including artificial intelligence, the gig and platform economy, social security, labour migration and skills development.
He said occupational safety and health and the future of work were also emerging areas requiring specialised knowledge and responsible communication.
The permanent secretary said the ministry remained committed to strengthening engagement with the media and providing relevant information on its policies, programmes and interventions.
He emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the labour sector, saying the workshop formed part of broader efforts to strengthen professional labour journalism.
Also, Mr Patrick Abulu, Chairman, Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN), commended the ministry for the initiative, describing the training as timely and relevant to contemporary labour reporting.
Abulu said the programme would enhance reporters’ capacity to provide accurate, balanced and responsible reports while strengthening collaboration between the ministry and the media.
He urged participants to use the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and improve the quality of their reports, while appreciating the ministry for recognising the role of labour reporters in informing the public.
“A well-informed media is essential to an informed society, and responsible labour reporting is vital to promoting understanding, dialogue and harmonious industrial relations,” Abulu said.