Mr. Issa Obalowu Aremu, mni, NPOM

Director-General/CEO, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)

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Mr. Aremu leads MINILS, which focuses on enhancing the capacity of workers, employers, and government officials in Labour and Industrial Relations through training, research, education, and institutional linkages. Since 1983, MINILS has been pivotal in advancing labour education in Nigeria and Africa.

Previous Roles:

  • Member, National Executive Council, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
  • General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN)
  • Board Member, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC)
  • Vice President, IndustriALL Global Union, representing over 50 million members globally

Key Contributions:

  • Negotiated and advocated for wage improvements, including reviews of four national minimum wages
  • Member of Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (2000, 2009-2010)
  • Labour delegate to the 2014 National Conference and Vice Chairman, Conference Committee on Labour, Civil Society, and Youth

Educational Background:

  • National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru (SEC 27) – 2005
  • National Labour College (George Meany Centre, USA) – 2003
  • Institute for Social Studies (ISS), The Hague, Netherlands – 1990-1991
  • University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State – 1981-1985
  • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – 1978-1981
  • School of Basic Studies, ABU, Samaru, Zaria – 1977-1978
  • Ilorin Grammar School (IGS) – 1972-1977

Academic Qualifications:

  • Member of the National Institute (mni) – 2005
  • M.A. in Labour and Development – 1991
  • B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics (Second Class Upper) – 1985
  • Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) – 1978
  • West Africa School Certificate (WASC) – 1977
  • Certificate in Industrial Relations and Labour Worklife Program – 2003
  • Certificate in Industrial Relations Partnership Initiative (George Meany Centre, USA) – 2003

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Fellow of the African Leadership Initiative (A.L.I) Media Fellowship Programme – 2016
  • National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award – August 2014
  • Appreciation Award by NIPSS for contributions to Industrial Relations, Labour Productivity, and National Development – March 28, 2014
  • Appreciation Award by Alumni Association of National Defence College and National Defence College, Nigeria – January 29, 2014
  • Appreciation Awards by Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria – November 30, 2007; May 26, 2010; September 19, 2013
  • 2024 Nigeria GOLD PRIZE (Public Service Award)

The CIPM International Conference and Exhibition

SUSTAINABLE HR, BUSINESS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International Delegates

CIPM Members
$300

CIPM Non-Members
$500

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