MRC Empowers Ikorodu Youths on Jobs, Rights, Safe Migration | ClipTV Online

The Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), a unit under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, has further intensified its efforts to empower Nigerian youths with knowledge of employees’ rights, access to employment, and global migration opportunities.

As part of the Ministry’s employment creation initiative, the MRC is providing free training programmes, especially in the area of digital skill acquisition for youths in Ikorodu, Lagos.

This was disclosed during an information session held on Monday, 5th May 2026. The training initiative, implemented in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), is focused on equipping young people with in-demand digital skills. These skills are aimed at enhancing the employability of youths and young adults, both locally and internationally.

Speaking during the engagement, Mrs. Juliet Ekpenyong-Odanye, Head of the Migrant Resource Centre/Job Centre (NELEX), Lagos, ably represented by Ms. Iyanda Adebisi, an officer of the Ministry, disclosed that the training programmes are offered free of charge. She noted that the skills are tailored to meet the demands of the global digital economy and to enhance regular migration pathways, particularly to countries like Germany.

She further highlighted that the programme provides structured, advanced training in areas such as software development, AI engineering, data analysis. Other advanced courses include cybersecurity, drone photography, vibe coding, digital fashion illustration, AutoCAD, product management, video editing, and 3D animation. Other training areas include plumbing, electrical and solar PV installation, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

She also highlighted upcoming activities of the Centre, including employability training for graduates and job seekers, information sessions, and job fairs. She added that the programmes offered by the Centre aim to prepare youths for opportunities in the evolving job market.

Beyond skills training, the MRC also provides guidance on safe and regular migration pathways as a core function. As part of the session, the Centre emphasized the importance of safe migration in the “Japa” era, where many Nigerian youths are migrating to other countries in pursuit of greener pastures. She encouraged participants to beware of human traffickers and to ensure they have the right information, skills, and necessary documentation before travelling. Ms. Adebisi noted that individuals can visit the Ikoyi or Yaba offices of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for further information on available opportunities.

Additionally, she underscored that the Ministry, through its Labour Inspectorate Division, plays a critical role in ensuring workplace safety. She stated that the Inspectorate helps prevent occupational hazards and protects workers’ rights, as well as their physical and mental well-being.

Addressing labour rights, she emphasized the importance of employees understanding their fundamental human rights within the workplace. She stated that workers should demand a formal contract of employment that outlines their responsibilities and conditions of service before entering into any employment.

Other rights highlighted include access to a safe working environment, provision of necessary tools for work, regulated working hours of eight hours daily, and entitlement to overtime pay where applicable.

She also stressed the need for at least one hour break during work hours, as well as the provision of basic welfare packages for employees.

Also in attendance from the Ministry were Mrs. Sharon George and Mr. Tosin Omogbemi.

The MRC is a unit of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, saddled with the mandate of promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration across the country, while NELEX (National Electronic Labour Exchange) is the Federal Government’s official job portal aimed at matching job seekers with employers, as part of efforts to curb the activities of scammers who post fake job offers.

It was also noted that there is no elaborate qualification required to participate in MRC programmes.

The Ministry’s partnership with GIZ forms the Nigerian-German Centre for Migration and Development, and together with other partners like 8th Gear Hub, they are working to reduce poverty and empower Nigerian youths. These collaborations are reflected in initiatives like this, equipping youths with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a competitive global economy.

MRC social media handles:
Facebook: @Migrant Resource Centre, Lagos
Instagram: @mrc_lagos