By Paul Michael and Kelvin Oviri
The Honourable Minister of State, Festus Keyamo SAN on Thursday charged newly inaugurated members of the Governing Board of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Governing Council of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) to formulate good policies that can enhance and advance the operations of the respective agencies.
Keyamo, who is the Supervising Minister of the two agencies, spoke at the inauguration ceremony of members of the Governing Board of NDE and Governing Council of MINILS, which was held at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Abuja.
He added that the Board and Council members must not interfere in the daily operations of the agencies, The Trumpet gathered.
While enjoining the new appointees to adhere strictly to all public service rules in terms of appointment, promotions and discipline, the Minister said the conditions of service of Chairmen and members of the Board and Council, particularly on travels and tours shall be subject to excellent public service procedures.
He said, “The Board and Council are therefore responsible for setting out the agencies economic, financial, operational, administrative policies, programs and targets, in line with the overall objectives as provided by the government.
“They also have the responsibility for meeting targets, introducing broad policy measures for seamless operation and supervisory management to ensure that targets are achieved.
“The challenge before the Board and Council is one of reengineering and developing new strategies and suitable modalities for translating the broad objectives of governments to tangible goals in the lives of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
“The role of the Governing Boards is therefore to drive general policy formulation and implementation and not to be involved in the day to day running of the agencies.
“It is pertinent to remind you at this juncture that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. It will therefore be irregular and indeed, unacceptable for you to ask your management to provide fringe benefits that you are not entitled to.
“Further to this, members who enjoy institutional representation, most as a matter of necessity inform the Board or Council of their retirement or redeployment, necessitating or replacement in the board or the council.
“This has become necessary following reports of retired or reassigned public officers, keeping quiet about their status to ensure they are still being in the Board or Council contrary to their terms of engagement.
“The conditions of service of Chairmen and members of the Board and Council, particularly on travels and tours shall be subject to extant public service circulars which are subject to review from time to time.
“For the purpose of oversea travels, members will be entitled to the approved estacode rates. Chairmen or members of Board and Council on all agencies must obtain prior approval through the Supervising Minister from the President before undertaking official trips overseas. Such approvals shall be conveyed by the Office of the Secretary of the Federation or the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
“I want to enjoin you all to ensure that all public service rules as it relates to appointments promotions, and discipline are strictly adhered to by the management of your agencies. You are also to ensure that all outstanding allowances due to workers are cleared promptly.
“Furthermore, the operations of the various agencies must comply strictly with financial regulations and the provisions of the Procurement Act. The audited accounts of the agencies must always be prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities as at when due.”
Earlier while presenting his welcome address, the Director General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo said the reconstitution and inauguration of the Board and Council underscore the high premium that the government of President Buhari places on labour studies, employment, wealth creation and social inclusion matters, through the governing boards that will quickly fast track the agencies’ policy directions.
“I’m sure that the Board will settle down to the rigorous tasks of policy formulation for the general good of the Nigerian citizenry,” he said.
Members inaugurated into the Governing Board of NDE include Festus Keyamo, SAN – Chairman (as statutorily provided for Supervising Ministers of the Agency), Chris J. Maiyaki (member representing the Nigerian Universities Commission), Mallam Lawal Y. Hafiz (member representing the National Board for Technical Education), Prince Tony Omoaghe, Mrs Obiageli B. Orah, Collins Iriferi Umukoro, Andrew Obukohwo Egunoma, Mrs Yamah Patience (member representing Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Mohammed Ndadoko (member representing Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Industry).
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Others include Mrs Didi Walson-Jackn (representing Federal Ministry of Water Resources), Dr Yerima P. Terfa (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment), Mr Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Mrs Olubunmi Osuntuyi (representing the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association), Comrade Amechi Asugwuni (representing the Nigerian Labour Congress), and Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo (Director-General of National Directorate of Employment).
Members of the Governing Council of MINILS are Prince Sam Okpako Onokohwomo (Chairman), Brigadier General Umar Gital Yusuf (member representing the Nigerian Army), Mrs Omoabie Udeme Akpan (member representing the Ministry of Labour and Employment), CP Falaye S. Olaleye (member representing the Nigeria Police Force), Amb Obinna Chukwuemeka Agbugba (member representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Umaru Ahmadu (member representing Service Strategy and Policy Office) and Comrade Salamatu Aliyu (member representing the Nigerian Labour Congress)
Others include Comrade Babatunde Goke Olatunji (member representing the Nigerian Labour Congress), Femi Mokikan (member representing the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association), Adeniyi Ologun (member representing the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association), Comrade Nasir Fagge (member representing Nigerian Universities) and Comrade Issa Aremu (member representing the Director of National Institute for Labour Studies).
