Thirty-nine skilled artisans from Benue State have departed Nigeria for Belarus under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) International Job Placement Programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to promote safe labour migration and create decent jobs abroad.
FG Urges Artisans to Uphold Nigeria’s Pride Abroad
The Federal Government has charged the departing artisans to represent Nigeria with pride and integrity.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, urged them to “let their professionalism and integrity speak loudly.”
She advised, “Honour your contracts, respect your hosts, and let your excellence tell the Nigerian story of resilience and skill. Remember, success abroad must translate into growth at home.”
According to Onyejeocha, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates that Nigerian talent is globally competitive. She emphasized the importance of international partnerships that promote knowledge transfer and technology exchange.
Collaboration for Global Opportunities
The Minister explained that the programme emerged from a strong collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Benue State Government, the NDE, the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd.
She added, “Programmes like this equip Nigerian professionals with global insights that strengthen our domestic capacity and competitiveness.”
The 39 beneficiaries will take up employment opportunities in Belarus’s construction sector, in line with government efforts to curb irregular migration through structured international job placements.
NDE Commends Benue State and Partners
In his welcome remarks, Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, applauded the Benue State Government for its trust and support.
He said the programme shows young Nigerians that they no longer need to “risk dangerous journeys across the Sahara or the Mediterranean” in search of jobs abroad.
“All they need now are skills, competency, and the support of any subnational government to benefit from the International Job Placement Programme,” he said.
Agara explained that the NDE’s mandate extends beyond job creation to facilitating international job linkages. Since 2019, its collaboration with Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd. has successfully secured employment for Nigerian artisans in multiple construction fields in Belarus.
Skill and Technology Transfer for National Growth
Agara noted that the programme offers more than jobs—it creates a pathway for skills and technology transfer. Participants will gain exposure to world-class construction standards, which they can later apply to boost Nigeria’s local workforce.
He expressed confidence that the Benue artisans, as pioneer beneficiaries, will “serve as worthy ambassadors of both Benue State and Nigeria.”
Conclusion: Building a Future of Safe Migration and Decent Work
The departure of 39 Benue artisans to Belarus marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s safe labour migration strategy.
Through the NDE International Job Placement Programme, the Federal Government aims to promote decent work, reduce irregular migration, and empower skilled Nigerians to compete globally while contributing to national development.
