In a bid to consolidate President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent official visit to United Arab Emirates, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment,
Sen. Chris Ngige has urged the Arab country to activate the process of legal migration of skilled Nigerian middle level workers under the International Labour Migration guidelines.
Countries around the Middle East have always been under pressure to improve labour practices and encourage dignity for immigrant workers. Nigerians working under UAE’s amorphous labour rules often complain of falling victims to discriminatory and oppressive practices from their Arab employers.
“In consonance with the spirit of the relationship which exists between our two countries, and which President Muhammadu Buhari has further bolstered with his recent official visit to the United Arab Emirates and considering the series of agreement signed in the areas of trade, economic development, investment and industry as well as in legal cooperation among others, my ministry wishes to request that you activate the process of labour migration and employment into the UAE for skilled Nigerian workers.”
Sen. Ngige spoke in Abuja during the condolence visit by the UAE’s ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Mahmood Mohammed Almahmood on the passing away of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. James Ocholi.
“It is our desire to export skilled middle level workers, whether they are carpenters, bricklayers, tillers, painters etc. We want to export them officially under the International Labour Migration Organization guidelines just like we are trying to do with Qatar. No doubt , we have high skilled Nigerian professionals like engineers , medical doctors, nurses and others already in your country but we want to push people from the middle cadre who have blue collar skills,” the Minister announced.
The Minister further reiterated the common commitment of Nigeria and the UAE to fighting global terrorism.
“We are together in condemning terrorist attacks all over the world, especially in Nigeria where Boko Haram has destabilized the entire North East zone of the country, displacing millions and causing job losses. We seek for the assistance of your country in rehabilitating the displaced and in reconstructing their communities.”
In his remarks, Amb. Mahmood Mohammed promised the cooperation of his country in the promotion of trade and other bilateral relations with Nigeria.