Industry accounts for 500 million jobs worldwide–UNIDO DG

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

The industrial sector worldwide accounts for 500 million jobs, said the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Director General, Li Yong.

Yong disclosed this yesterday, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, during a stakeholders meeting on Industrial Development Plan for Nigeria, saying that industrial development would remain the backbone of the present administration’s transformation agenda.

According to him, income generation, job creation, among others, were dependent upon well managed industrial development plan and its full implementation, such that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could be supported to grow.

He said the efforts of providing measures against prevailing social and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner could only be achieved when supported by economic growth, adding that UNIDO had been promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, with a view to harnessing the full potentials of industry’s contribution to the achievement of industrial development and lasting prosperity for all.

Yong further noted that effective use of resources could also lead to sustainable industrial development of Nigeria, disclosing that UNIDO had developed a very robust strategy in the area of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), even as the Organisation was already planning two workshops on National Industrial Strategy for the country.

According to him, UNIDO had been working with donor communities or organisations over the years, and they had been providing funds to support the Organisation’s programmes.

He also said that investment in solar power, bio-energy and the likes could fast track the country’s industrialisation.

Meanwhile, the chairman, House Committee on Industry, Honourable Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, said the House was fully ready to partner with UNIDO by supporting the industrial development plan of the Organisation.

Also, while making his remark, the vice president, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Isa Aremu, stated that the revival of comatose industries in the country, especially the textile companies, which had hitherto provided employment opportunities to thousands of Nigerians, must also include the welfare of the workers.

Similarly, the president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu, said no development could take place in any country without industrialisation, adding that out of every 100 job seekers; only 24 were likely to secure employment.