Established in 1939, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) is the government agency responsible for overseeing labor relations, workplace safety, and employment policies in Nigeria.
Its primary function is to promote cooperative relationships between employers and employees, providing a conducive environment for productivity and economic growth.
The FMLE formulates and implements labor laws, promotes industrial peace, and addresses issues related to workplace safety, child labor, and discrimination.
READ ALSO: List Of Ministers Of Nigeria Delta Affairs (2008-Date)
List Of Ministers Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria
No | Name | Term Start | Term End | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Samuel Ladoke Akintola | 1951 | 1954 | AG |
2 | Festus Okotie-Eboh | 1954 | 1957 | NCNC |
3 | Joseph Modupe Johnson | 1959 | 1964 | NNDP |
4 | Adeleke Adedoyin | 1965 | 1966 | NNDP |
5 | Anthony Enahoro | 1967 | 1975 | NDP |
6 | Henry Adefope | 1975 | 1978 | NPN |
7 | Silvanus Olatunde Williams | 1978 | 1979 | NPN |
8 | Samuel Adebisi Ogedengbe | 1979 | 1982 | NPN |
9 | Emmanuel Osammor | 1982 | 1983 | NPN |
10 | Ali Baba | 1983 | 1984 | NPN |
11 | Solomon Kikiowo Omojokun | 1984 | 1985 | NPN |
12 | Patrick Koshoni | 1985 | 1986 | NPN |
13 | Ike Nwachukwu | 1986 | 1987 | NPN |
14 | Abubakar Umar | 1987 | 1990 | NPN |
15 | Bunu Sheriff Musa | 1990 | 1993 | NPN |
16 | Bola Afonja | 1993 | 1993 | NDP |
17 | Francis John Ellah | 1993 | 1995 | NDP |
18 | Mohammed Uba Ahmed | 1995 | 1998 | ANPP |
19 | Emmanuel Onyemaechi Udogu | 1998 | 1999 | ANPP |
20 | Alabo Graham-Douglas | 1999 | 2000 | PDP |
21 | Musa Gwadabe | 2000 | 2002 | PDP |
22 | Hussaini Akwanga | 2002 | 2004 | - |
23 | Hassan Muhammed Lawal | 2004 | 2008 | PDP |
24 | Adetokunbo Kayode | 2008 | 2010 | PDP |
25 | Ibrahim Kazaure | 2010 | 2010 | PDP |
26 | Chukwuemeka Wogu | 2010 | 2014 | PDP |
27 | Kabiru Tanimu Turaki | 2014 | 2015 | PDP |
28 | Joel Danlami Ikenya | 2015 | 2015 | APC |
29 | Chris Ngige | 2015 | 2023 | APC |
30 | Simon Lalong | 2023 | 2023 | APC |
31 | Nkeiruka Onyejeocha | 2023 | Present | APC |
READ ALSO: List Of Commandant Generals Of NSCDC
Who Was The First Minister Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria?
Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola was the first Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria. He was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political scene, playing a part during the country’s early years of independence.
Born on July 6, 1910, in Ogbomosho, Chief Akintola was known for his intellect, strong oratory skills, and dedication to public service. After attending schools in Ogbomosho and Lagos, he began his career as a teacher and later joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
He was particularly active in the Nigerian Youth Movement, one of the most influential political groups in the 1930s and 1940s. In the early 1950s, after studying law in the United Kingdom, Akintola became a founding member of the Action Group, a political party led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He served as the party’s legal adviser and later as the deputy leader. In 1952, he was appointed as the first Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria.
As Minister of Labour and Employment, Akintola improved working conditions for Nigerians, particularly for those in industries like agriculture, railways, and manufacturing. He ensures fair wages and better labor standards.
During his tenure, he also dealt with labor strikes and disputes, helping to mediate between workers and employers. In addition to his work in the labor sector, Akintola went on to serve as the Minister of Health and later Minister for Communications and Aviation.
However, he was involved in a power struggle within the Action Group party, which eventually led to a split and a period of political instability in Western Nigeria. Chief Akintola’s legacy extends beyond his role in labor and employment.
He also contributed to education, founding institutions like the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and other public works. Although his life was tragically cut short during the 1966 coup, his impact on Nigeria’s political landscape remains notable.
READ ALSO: List Of NDLEA Chairmans In Nigeria
Who Is The New Minister Of Labour And Employment In Nigeria?
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha is the newly appointed Minister of Labour and Employment in Nigeria. She has been a prominent member of the House of Representatives since 2007, representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.
Throughout her career, Onyejeocha has been known for her strong commitment to social issues and her advocacy for the rights of women, children, and the less privileged.
Born on November 23, 1969, in Isuochi, Abia State, Onyejeocha holds two master’s degrees, one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Imo State University and another in Shipping from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
She had also served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation. Onyejeocha made headlines in 2017 for sponsoring a major bill that mandates hospitals to provide immediate treatment to victims of gunshot wounds.
Initially elected as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), she switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018. However, Onyejeocha is expected to use her extensive experience in legislation and her understanding of social issues to tackle the challenges facing workers in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of job creation, workers’ rights, and employment policies.