The Republic of Ireland has called for stronger ties that will enable it to help Nigeria overcome the current economic recession.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday, by Mr Samuel Olowookere, the Deputy Director, Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
According to Olowookere, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sean Hoy, made the call when he visited the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige in Abuja.
He quoted Hoy as saying that the call became necessary to enable Nigeria benefit from the Irish experience.
“We are encouraged by the determined efforts of this government to diversify the economy, to invest in agriculture and other areas, to lessen dependence in oil and import and pull the economy out of recession.
“We need to renew our relationship with Nigeria to see if there is anything we can do to help or share from our experiences,’’ he quoted Hoy as saying.
The ambassador further called for a renewed social partnership to tame rampant cases of labour unrest occasioned by the dwindling economy.
According to the diplomat, tough times often give rise to adverse labour relations.
He noted that Nigeria had rich endowments; as well as determined citizenry to surmount the current challenges.
In his response, Ngige said that every country often passed through phases of development, pointing out that the determination of the people was always critical to overcoming such situations.
“Ireland had passed through a similar experience, a crushing recession and emerged from it.
“Nigeria would learn from the doggedness of the Irish people and also emerge from the recession,’’ Ngige said.
The minister also noted that labour relations in a depressed economy globally were usually frosty as a result of dwindling earnings on the part of workers and employers.
He stressed that the cardinal focus of the present administration was to stem down job losses.
“We are diversifying into agriculture and mining to create jobs for the people; we are also focusing on social security.
“Out of 500, 000 youths captured in our social intervention programme, 200, 000 are already working while plans are in top gear to take on the rest.
“We are investing on skill acquisition for these youths. The Conditional Cash Transfer has also taken off in nine states.
“By the end of February, we will take the number to 18 states while the remaining states are targeted for inclusion by the middle of the year,’’ Ngige added.
The minister further sought the technical assistance of Ireland in the skill acquisition programme of the Federal Government and in the international labour migration.
According to him, this will enable Nigerians with skills to legally migrate and work in Ireland. (NAN)
IK/DOR/YEE