.
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige Tuesday formally declared his intention to contest for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said he has a burning desire to see a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria, according to a statement from his media office.
Ngige unveiled his presidential ambition 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 said having served 40 years in the public service, he was fully equipped as an administrator, with a huge wealth of experience, capacity, and energy as well as a large heart to accommodate the differences among Nigerians.
Ngige who recounted his numerous achievements as a former governor, ex- Senator, and two-time minister, described himself as the “Jack of all trade and master of all” that Nigeria needs now.
He thanked the President for the opportunity offered him to serve as a minister, which 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 said 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 fewer hands.
Ngige said, “I also know the unproductive areas and the areas of waste in the public service. I see the energy in labor that 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.”
