Ogun State Government says it is working on building a robust and effective Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and Job Centres which would create increased job opportunities for residents, and help to optimally harness the benefits of having the highest number of industries in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola made this known while speaking during a meeting with relevant stakeholders on the LMIS at the Ministry's Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Aikulola said the efforts on building the LMIS would help youths resident in the State to have more job opportunities, while the industries would be well informed of the skill sets available, adding that the System would address gaps in reliable data which is currently a challenge in the Labour Market Information System.

"Ogun State is the educational capital of Nigeria and also the industrial hub of the entire West Africa. We would ensure that our LMIS is robust enough to create enough job opportunities for residents, while we also provide relevant information to job seekers", Aikulola said.

He called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies to synegise, especially in the area of data exchange to help actualise the target on the LMIS.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVETB), Mr. Olubori Akinleye stated that the LMIS would help the OGSTEV Board understand the skills needed by different industries and also take steps to provide the skills set through improved curriculum and training programmes.

In his address, the key Expert on Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), African Foresight Group, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya whose organisation is the Consultant to the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) said the LMIS when developed would have a positive impact on the government, Organised Private Sector and the people of the State through the creation of more job opportunities while the labour needs of industries are met.

 He assured of GIZ's determination to provide capacity building for stakeholders on the LMIS, calling for the inclusion of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the LMIS process, as well as the enactment of a law that would ensure the continuity of the System.

Agencies present at the meeting include, the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Bureau of Information Technology, Bureau of Statistics, Bureau of Establishment and Training, Civil Service Commission, Office of the Accountant General, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Bureau of Public Service Reforms, among others.