Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to making job creation central to ongoing reforms in the energy sector. She conveyed this during the 9th Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference in Lagos, where she represented President Bola Tinubu.
She emphasized that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places a high priority on inclusive growth, including employment generation through energy reforms. According to her, the Labour Minister’s energy sector reform efforts focus not only on infrastructure and supply but also on creating sustainable jobs across all value chains.
Onyejeocha stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve a meaningful energy transition without skilled manpower. The federal government, she said, is actively working with relevant agencies, local and international partners, and the private sector to build capacity. Skilled youth, she noted, are central to achieving the country’s energy transformation goals.
The Labour Ministry’s energy sector agenda also targets rural and underserved communities. Onyejeocha explained that the government is working to expand access to cleaner, more reliable energy, stimulate local economies, and encourage entrepreneurship. Small businesses in rural areas stand to benefit, and job opportunities will increase as a result.
Speaking to participants at the conference, the minister highlighted the government’s integrated strategy that includes education, skills acquisition, and local manufacturing. She urged Nigeria to reduce reliance on imported energy technologies by promoting local production of tools and equipment. This approach, she said, will boost industrial development and generate employment.
Onyejeocha assured stakeholders that the government is reviewing labour-related policies to better protect and empower the workforce. She pointed out that ministries such as Power, Environment, and Education are actively collaborating with the Labour Ministry to ensure long-term, coordinated results.
International delegates at the event praised Nigeria’s approach. They described the country’s focus on employment during energy reform as both forward-thinking and sustainable. The minister also invited more investment into Nigeria’s energy space and guaranteed policy stability to build investor confidence.
She stressed the importance of preparing young people for the evolving energy landscape. The government supports training centres and innovation hubs that equip Nigerian youth with relevant skills, enabling them to compete globally. According to Onyejeocha, the goal is to build a future where energy is clean, affordable, and powered by local talent.
The exhibition brought together energy experts, investors, government officials, and business leaders to exchange insights on best practices and challenges. The minister’s participation reinforced the government’s resolve to take decisive steps toward sustainable development.
By linking energy goals with employment creation, Onyejeocha demonstrated that economic growth and social development can progress together. Her remarks reflect a results-driven approach and a clear willingness to foster inter-ministerial collaboration.
With a focus on people, productivity, and progress, Onyejeocha’s leadership in job-driven energy reform positions Nigeria as a frontrunner in Africa’s sustainable development landscape.
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