List Of All The Ministers Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria (1951-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Nigeria plays an important part in managing labor relations and ensuring the welfare of workers. Established in 1939, the ministry was initially set up to address labor issues arising from World War II.
It began as the Department of Labour, which was created on October 1, 1942, to manage labor movement issues and enforce protective legislation.
Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, becoming the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity in 1979 and later the Ministry of Labour in January 2007.
The ministry is responsible for formulating and implementing policies that promote decent work conditions, manage labor migration, and oversee trade unions, among other functions.
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List Of Ministers Of State For Labour And Employment In Nigeria
Minister | Term | Political Party |
---|---|---|
Samuel Ladoke Akintola | 1951–1954 | Action Group |
Festus Okotie-Eboh | 1954–1957 | National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons |
Joseph Modupe Johnson | 1959–1964 | Nigeria National Democratic Party |
Adeleke Adedoyin | 1965–1966 | Nigeria National Democratic Party |
Anthony Enahoro | 1967–1975 | National Democratic Party |
Henry Adefope | 1975–July 1978 | National Party of Nigeria |
Silvanus Olatunde Williams | 1978–1979 | National Party of Nigeria |
Samuel Adebisi Ogedengbe | December 1979 – February 1982 | National Party of Nigeria |
Emmanuel Osammor | February 1982 – October 1983 | National Party of Nigeria |
Ali Baba | 1984 | National Party of Nigeria |
Solomon Kikiowo Omojokun | 1984–1985 | National Party of Nigeria |
Patrick Koshoni | 1985–1986 | National Party of Nigeria |
Ike Nwachukwu | – 21 December 1987 | National Party of Nigeria |
Abubakar Umar | 21 December 1987 – | National Party of Nigeria |
Bunu Sheriff Musa | (Exact dates not specified) | National Party of Nigeria |
Bola Afonja | August 1993 – 17 November 1993 | National Democratic Party |
Francis John Ellah | 1993–1995 | National Democratic Party |
Mohammed Uba Ahmed | 1995–1998 | All Nigeria Peoples Party |
Emmanuel Onyemaechi Udogu | 1998–1999 | All Nigeria Peoples Party |
Alabo Graham-Douglas | June 1999 – June 2000 | People’s Democratic Party |
Musa Gwadabe | 3 June 2000 – | People’s Democratic Party |
Hussaini Akwanga | – 4 December 2003 (sacked) | People’s Democratic Party |
Hassan Muhammed Lawal | 2004 – 17 December 2008 | People’s Democratic Party |
Adetokunbo Kayode | 17 December 2008 – 10 February 2010 | People’s Democratic Party |
Ibrahim Kazaure | 10 February 2010 – 17 March 2010 | People’s Democratic Party |
Chukwuemeka Wogu | 6 April 2010 – 15 October 2014 | People’s Democratic Party |
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki | 22 October 2014 – 2015 | People’s Democratic Party |
Joel Danlami Ikenya | 17 March 2015 – 2015 | All Progressives Congress |
Chris Ngige | 11 November 2015 – 29 May 2023 | All Progressives Congress |
Simon Lalong | 21 August 2023 – 19 December 2023 | All Progressives Congress |
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha | 19 December 2023 – Present | All Progressives Congress |
Who Was The First Minister Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria?
The first Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria was Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who served from 1951 to 1954. Samuel Ladoke Akintola was born on July 6, 1910, in Oyo State, Nigeria.
He attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School in Lagos and later went to the United Kingdom for further studies. His upbringing in a politically active family influenced his later involvement in politics and governance.
Akintola’s political journey began in the 1940s when he became a member of the Action Group, a political party founded by Obafemi Awolowo.
In 1951, he was appointed as the first Minister of Labour and Employment, where he was responsible for establishing labor laws and policies to protect workers’ rights.
He was instrumental in promoting industrial relations and addressing the needs of workers during a time of significant economic change in Nigeria.
Before becoming a minister, Akintola was involved in various educational and social initiatives. He was a teacher and later became a principal at a secondary school.
Akintola’s legacy is seen in his efforts to improve labor relations in Nigeria. He advocated for fair wages and better working conditions, which set the foundation for future labor policies in the country.
After a split in the party, he formed the Nigerian National Democratic Party, which led to political tensions in the region.
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Who Is The Current Minister Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria?
The current Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria is Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who assumed office on December 19, 2023.
Before her appointment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha served as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment from August 21, 2023, to December 19, 2023.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was born in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Onyejeocha has been actively involved in politics since the early 2000s, serving as a member of the Abia State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011.
In 2011, Onyejeocha was elected to the House of Representatives, where she has been serving as the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
During her time in the House of Representatives, she has held several key positions, including serving as the Deputy Minority Whip from 2015 to 2019 and the Deputy Majority Whip from 2019 to 2023.
Now as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Onyejeocha is responsible for formulating and implementing policies that promote decent work conditions, manage labor migration, and oversee trade unions, among other functions.
She is also tasked with addressing the growing unemployment rate in Nigeria and implementing the National Employment Policy.
Onyejeocha has been recognized for her contributions to the development of her community and the country at large. In 2021, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for her outstanding service and dedication to her constituents.