Labour Minister, Ngige joins 2023 presidential race

Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The minister said he has a burning desire to see a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria.

Ngige, according to a statement from his media office, unveiled his presidential ambition on Tuesday before a crowd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State.

Addressing the crowd, comprising APC faithful and other supporters, the former Anambra State Governor noted that having served 40 years in the public service, he was fully equipped as an administrator, with huge wealth of experience, capacity and energy as well as large heart to accommodate the differences among Nigerians.

Recounting his numerous achievements as a former governor, ex- Senator and two-time minister, Ngige described himself as the “Jack of all trade and master of all” that Nigeria needs now.

He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity offered him to serve as a minister, which he claimed broadened his knowledge of the various ministries, departments and agencies, being a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the conciliator of disputes between employers and employees in the various arms of government and the private sector.

He added that his stewardship in the difficult and complex Ministry of Labour as the chief conciliator, enriched his knowledge of the problems of workers, the difficulty the industrialists and entrepreneurs face, why industries close down, and why some run far below their installed capacity and in turn employ less hands .

“I also know the unproductive areas and the areas of waste in the public  service. I see the energy in labour  which has not been properly harnessed.  I have seen the low  hanging fruits in agriculture , the handicaps, the factors that militate against  job creation, which is  one of the mandates of my ministry, especially the inter-ministerial and inter agencies cooperation that is missing. I have seen our burgeoning population without a corresponding advantage in terms of improvement in GDP”, the minister said