Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has explained why the Federal Government placed an embargo on employment into the Federal Civil Service

The minister said it was because the economy was not in good shape.

Ngige, who is a member of the Federal Cabinet Committee for Economic Recovery and Economic Sustainability Committee, stated the government created small jobs and empowerment programmes to fortify social safety nets and establish a social protection system.

The Minister spoke at his Abuja residence at the weekend while receiving the traditional ruler of Nnewi town, Igwe Kenneth Orizu (III), who paid him a courtesy visit with a delegation, comprising of members of the royal family and leaders of the various quarters of the town.

According to a statement from the Minister’s media office, the delegation had earlier pleaded with Ngige to help secure jobs for young graduates from the town.

Ngige said: “The Federal Government placed embargo on employment because the economy is not in good shape. But, we have the Home Support Programmes like Conditional Cash Transfer and others. Such money is meant for the poor in the society.

“I have been making sure that Nnewi town gets its due through my foot soldiers in the community. Nothing is too small but I assure you that we will do more,” he said.

The Minister pledged to ensure that all Nigerians, including Nnewi indigenes, were given jobs when the Federal Government lifts the embargo on employment.

He also noted a change of Management had taken place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, and assured that they were going to put more interest in the Hospital.

“In fact, there are oxygen plants being shared for the 36 states and state capitals. I put the one for Anambra State in the Nnewi Teaching Hospital,” he added.

(The Nation)