The Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) serves as a crucial platform for private sector employers in Nigeria to promote industrial harmony and facilitate communication with the government and other stakeholders.
The Genesis of NECA
Established in response to the absence of a collective voice for employers, NECA aims to influence labor relations policies and practices while enhancing industrial relations through objectives such as securing employer membership and advising on wage equity and grievance settlement.
To fully appreciate the role and influence of NECA, it is important to consider the broader context of trade unions and industrial relations in Nigeria.
NECA, ILO, call for efficient labour adjudication system
Trade Unions and the Colonial Legacy
Trade unions and trade unionism in Nigeria are said to be part of the legacy of colonialism of Nigeria, as it was introduced by the colonial masters. This paper sets out to dispute this fact. This is because before the coming of the colonialists there was in place some forms of trade unions and trade unionism.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF)
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is a Nigerian government agency established on 8 October 1971, by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Industrial Training Fund Act. The ITF was established on 8 October 1971, by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the enactment of Decree No. 47 of 1971.
Read also: The Rise of Nigerian Basketball
The creation of the ITF was a response to the growing need for skilled manpower in the industrial and commercial sectors, which were hindering the country's economic development.
The ITF was created under the authority of the Federal Government, with the enabling legislation, the Industrial Training Fund Act, providing the legal framework for its establishment. This Act outlined the Fund's objectives, governance structure, and operational guidelines.
The primary purpose of the ITF is to promote the development of a skilled workforce to meet the manpower requirements of Nigeria's industrial, commercial, and economic sectors. The ITF's mandate is to provide training, support vocational education, and equip individuals with the practical skills required by the Nigerian economy.
The ITF is primarily funded through the contribution of organizations in Nigeria, particularly those within the private and public sectors. According to the Industrial Training Fund Act, all employers with five or more employees must contribute a specified percentage of their annual payroll to the fund.
In addition to the mandatory contributions from employers, the ITF receives funding from government allocations and, occasionally, grants from international partners to enhance its capacity to train workers across various sectors.
Read also: Requirements for Nigeria Police Clearance
Recent News and Developments
- December 20, 2024: ITF-NECA graduates 60 technicians.
- January 22, 2024: Tinubu Orders 5m Nigerian Artisans Upskilled Annually.
- December 20, 2024: ITF raises alarm over fraudulent training initiative.
- March 21, 2024: ITF approves Osun as South West zonal headquarters.
- ITF vows to make trainees global talents with international certifications.
- April 9, 2020: ITF DG gets backing of Nigerian artisans.
- ITF to empower 5 million Nigerian artistans.
- ITF trains 4000 Nigerian Youths in various skills.
- Proposed ITF Amendment Act'll Create Chaos, Undermine Standards--NBTE Scribe.
- ITF launches 'SUPA Programme' to bridge skilled manpower gap.
- March 1, 2024: ITF Cautions Public on Phony Scholarship, Internship Scams.
- August 20, 2024: ITF disowns 'Boys industrial training initiative 2024 programme' advertisement.
- November 21, 2024: Fed Govt moves to halt influx of foreign artisans.
- August 4, 2024: Stakeholders advocate vocational training standards.
- June 23, 2024: 100 youths graduate from ITF skills acquisition programme in kastina.
- July 22, 2024: COREN kicks against move to amend ITF bill.
- August 11, 2024: Skill-Up Program: FG announces date for artisans' screening.
Read also: Nigeria's Thriving Music
Popular articles:
tags: #Nigeria
