The Federal Government says there are vast opportunities for job creation in the green economy.
Minister for Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said this at the opening of the 6th Meeting of the National Employment Council, with the theme, “Creating Environmental Friendly (Green) Jobs.”
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Charles Akpan, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Abuja.
Akpan said Ngige was represented by Mr John Nyamale, Director, Employment and Wages, in the ministry.
The minister said that the green economy sector presented an avenue for creating environmental friendly jobs in areas such as “construction sector with green jobs concept, renewable energy, afforestation, waste management, including e-waste.”
According to him, the Council will deliberate on the activities of the Federal Ministries of Power and Environment, in evolving strategies and innovative ideas to create decent jobs in the green economy.
He also stated that under the post COVID-19 economic recovery plan titled “Bouncing Back”, government was committed to large scale installation of mini-grids and solar home systems in a minimum of five million households not currently on the grid.
“This Council has the responsibility of following up on the implementation of this plan and making useful recommendations that can deepen job creation in the green economy,” he said.
Ngige stated that the Council would be informed on the implementation of afforestation programme and Nigeria’s Sovereign Green Bands by the Federal Ministry of Environment and other benefitting ministries.
He urged participants to pay attention to the presentations by the critical ministries.
The Minister, however, urged them to identify any gaps in their current assignment and make suggestions that would add value and strengthen the job absorption capacity of government programmes in the sub-sector.
By Joan Nwagwu
