Jobs/Appointments
20% of Full-Time Workers in Nigeria Lost Jobs in 2020—Report
By Adedapo Adesanya
A new report has disclosed that at least 20 per cent of full-time workers in Nigeria lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The report tagged The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Enterprises in Nigeria was jointly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.
Sampling 3,000 businesses via in-depth interviews across both formal and informal sectors in major industries of the economy, the report assessed the impact of COVID-19 on business enterprises in the country.
“While there have been promising signs of recovery this year, COVID-19 has had an outsized socio-economic impact on Nigeria,” it said.
“From disruptions in supply chains to ongoing supply and demand shocks and a drop in consumer confidence, these challenges are expected to leave a lasting impact on the businesses and enterprises that make up the backbone of the economy,” it added.
The report also highlighted the significant decline in revenue faced by enterprises and establishments across the country due to the pandemic.
It indicated that 81 per cent of enterprises interviewed, experienced a decline in revenue and 73 per cent stated that they faced liquidity challenges due to secondary impacts of the pandemic in 2020.
Data from the report showed that the median loss in revenue remained at 44 per cent, in comparison to 2019 revenues while about 60 per cent of enterprises surveyed experienced an increase in operational costs, with the price of raw materials and logistics being the top two contributors to the increase.
Other operational challenges included access to credit and capital, high expenditure on utilities, and inadequate social safety net, especially for informal enterprises.
In addition, the report revealed that one in three business enterprises surveyed indicated that some businesses have permanently closed due to operational challenges resulting from the pandemic.
According to the report, businesses are likely to continue experiencing the impact of the pandemic even after the easing of public health measures.
Despite reduced restrictions at the time of the interviews, 74 per cent of enterprises still reported a decrease in production levels when compared to the same time in 2019.
In his remarks, the new Statistician-General of the Federation and Head of the NBS, Mr Simon Harry, highlighted the importance of the survey results.
“As the economy begins to show signs of gradual growth, this report contains important information that can guide policymakers in their interventions to mitigate the negative socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 in the country,” he said
“I wish to thank UNDP for collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics on this important report and I urge other development partners to emulate this worthy endeavour by partnering with the Bureau in matters relating to data generation in the country.
“Although the report findings highlight the complex challenges the economy continues to face because of COVID-19, it also tells a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and strength as Nigerian businesses leverage their ingenuity to adjust to this new normal,” he added.
On his part, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Mohamed Yahya said, “As Nigeria mobilises to recover from the devastating health and socio-economic impact of the pandemic, this report will be a critical tool in informing targeted policymaking and programme interventions for both medium and long-term planning as the country rebuilds.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has appointed core loyalists and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to head some government agencies and organisations.
According to a statement on Friday, Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chairman of the ruling party, was appointed as the board chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
Also appointed was the APC National Secretary, Mr Bashiru Ajibola, as the board chairman of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuha, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.”
“The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).”
He said President Tinubu appointed former deputy governor of Kebbi State, Mr Sulaiman Argungu, as the Chairman, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Company.
Other allies appointed included the former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Mr Magnus Abe, who will take over as Chairman of the National Agency For Great Green Wall.
According to the presidential spokesman, Mr Tinubu directed the “board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.”
The list of the appointees are:
NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE
– Mr Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau)
NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)
– Mr Raji, Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
– Mr Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman (Rivers)
TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
– Mr Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa)
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
– Mr Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman (Gombe)
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
– Mr Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia)
SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX
– Mr Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi)
FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA
– Mr Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano)
NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION
– Mr Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos)
NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE
– Mr D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo)
NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY
– Mr Musa Sarkin Adar, Chairman (Sokoto)
NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL
– Mr Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa)
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
–Mr Garba Datti Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna)
NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
– Mr Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, Chairman (Niger)
NIGERIAN BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Mr Durosimi Meseko, Chairman (Kogi)
FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
– Mrs Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION
– Mr Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)
FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI
– Mr Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman (Ogun)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA
– Mr Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA
– Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA
– Mr Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI
– Mr Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu)
CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD
– Mr Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd, Secretary (Kano)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA
– Mr Uguru Mathew Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA
– Mr Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman (Delta)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA
– Mr Bashir Usman Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa)
DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE
– Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo)
NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY (NOSDRA)
– Mr Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo)
NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
– Mr Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna)
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE
– Mr Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman (Borno)
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE
– Mr Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA
– Dr Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)
RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RMRDC)
– Mr Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU
– Mr Mohammed Gusau Hassan, Chairman, Zamfara
NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Mr Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa)
SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
– Mr Abubakar Shehu Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto)
AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL
– Mr Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD
– Mr Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti)
NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND
– Mr Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A report launched on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, by the Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) has called on policymakers across the globe, especially from Africa, to design policies that driven by artificial intelligence (AI) to proactively share the future of labour markets.
The study, released in collaboration with Google Cloud, pointed out the substantial costs of inaction, including growing inequality, displacement of vulnerable populations, and missed opportunities for sustainable growth.
However, it said the sub-Saharan region could use its young and rapidly growing population for an AI-driven leap in labour resilience.
It was revealed that the region remains in last place among regional rankings, facing persistent challenges across all dimensions of labour market resilience.
The sub-Saharan Africa includes 12 of the 20 lowest-ranked countries globally, with the lowest scores in both traditional and AI-related metrics.
It was stated that the most resilient labour markets combine traditional labour policies with strategic investments in AI and personalized, data-driven strategies.
Leading the 2025 GLRI rankings are the United States and Singapore, recognized for their strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, flexible labour markets, and leadership in AI adoption and innovation. Sweden follows closely, demonstrating resilience through substantial investments in education and R&D.
Notably, some countries in South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have shown significant advancements, with India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia benefiting the most from AI investments.
According to the GLRI report, the US leads in AI investment and innovation, boasting 60 per cent of global AI investments over the last ten years and a quarter of the world’s AI startups.
America’s success is attributed to integrating innovation with economic flexibility to foster dynamic job creation, with California, Massachusetts, and Washington identified among the front running states.
Rising inequality, both between and within countries, is identified as a major challenge exacerbated by AI that will need to be addressed with appropriate policies.
The gap between top-performing and lower-ranking countries has widened, with Sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. European countries, including the UK and Germany, hold six of the top 10 positions, showcasing strong overall performance. However, some, like Denmark, Austria, and Luxembourg, are slipping, having dropped out of the top 10.
“As AI reshapes the global workforce, the GLRI offers a roadmap for countries to navigate this new era. It highlights pathways for inclusive, forward-looking policies that will not only address the challenges of automation but also harness the potential of AI to create opportunities for all,” the Global Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, Karan Bhatia, stated.
Also, the Special Advisor and Director at Whiteshield, Mr Christopher Pissarides, said, “As AI continues to transform industries, the GLRI 2025 highlights the urgency for governments, businesses, and individuals to build resilient labour markets.
“This year’s report provides actionable insights to address the challenges of technological disruption, economic inequalities, and global crises, ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By understanding how labour markets adapt and evolve, we can drive innovation and create opportunities that benefit everyone.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Oyo State government has announced dates for the newly recruited 902 graduates to pick up their appointment letters.
A statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Mr Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, on Wednesday, disclosed that the collection would span from Friday, January 24 to Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
According to him, the successful applicants are expected to collect their letters of offer of appointment at designated offices of the commission between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm each day, except Friday, when they are expected to appear between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm.
However, he warned that on no account would the agency allow collection of letters of appointment by proxy, as the Commissioners would be on the ground to monitor the exercise.
While congratulating the successful candidates, Mr Aderibigbe urged them to be orderly when collecting their letters.
Recall that recently, the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, approved the employment of 902 university and Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in the state.
The schedule of the collection is as follows:
Friday, January 24, 2025: Administrative Officer, Accountant, Agricultural Officer and Education Officer Cadres.
Monday, January 27, 2025: Animal Health Technologist, Assistant Social Welfare Officer, Auditor, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Health, Forest, Geologist, Higher Agricultural Technologist, Higher Cooperative Officer, Higher Environmental Health Technologist, Higher Estate Officer, Higher Executive Officer (Accounts, Audit, Culture and General Duties) cadres as well as Surveyor, Tourism Officer and Youth Development Officer/Assistant Cadres.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025: Higher Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations), Higher Executive Officer (Tourism), Higher Programme Officer, Higher Statistical Officer, Higher Technical Officer ( Building, Civil, Electrical, Exploration, Mechanical, Surveyor, Town Planning) cadres as well as Information, Inspector of Taxes, Lands Officer, Social Welfare Officer and State Counsel Cadres.
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