Nigeria Must Create More Secure, Well-Paid Jobs to Defeat Poverty — Aremu

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Issa Aremu, has called for a deliberate and aggressive job creation strategy driven by government policies, insisting that sustainable employment remains the most effective weapon against poverty in Nigeria.

Aremu said the country cannot afford to rely solely on market forces to solve its growing unemployment challenge, stressing that meaningful economic recovery would only be achieved when job creation becomes a national priority.

Speaking on the need for stronger employment policies, he argued that millions of Nigerians would continue to struggle with poverty unless opportunities for stable and productive work are expanded across key sectors of the economy.

According to him, employment should be at the heart of Nigeria’s economic agenda, noting that jobs not only provide income but also restore dignity, security and long-term financial stability for workers and their families.

Aremu advocated what he described as “job-led growth,” saying economic reforms should focus on creating employment opportunities capable of lifting people out of hardship. He also emphasized the importance of better wages, arguing that workers must earn enough to meet their basic needs and improve their living standards.

The labour expert warned against celebrating short-term and contract-based jobs that offer little security or long-term benefits, saying such arrangements often leave workers vulnerable and trapped in poverty despite being employed.

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He urged policymakers to focus on creating quality jobs that provide stability, fair wages and social protection, rather than merely increasing employment figures.

Drawing from the International Labour Organisation’s principles on decent work, Aremu said Nigeria should pursue jobs that are productive, secure and pensionable, while ensuring workers have access to minimum and living wages.

He maintained that decent work remains the global benchmark for sustainable development and should guide Nigeria’s employment policies moving forward.

The MINILS boss also assigned a major role to the public sector, saying government must take the lead in generating productive jobs, especially as the country seeks to improve infrastructure, strengthen education and expand critical public services.

According to him, achieving meaningful development will require the recruitment of more workers into sectors that directly contribute to national growth and economic transformation.

Aremu noted that while the government should spearhead the process, the private sector remains crucial in creating long-term and sustainable employment opportunities capable of supporting economic expansion.

He concluded by stressing that the conversation should not be limited to the number of jobs being created but should also focus on their quality, insisting that Nigerians deserve employment that is secure, productive and fairly rewarded.

“As a nation, our focus should be on creating jobs that offer dignity, security and decent pay. That is the surest path to reducing poverty and building a stronger economy,” he said.