Nigeria and ILO reaffirm commitment to decent work, social justice, and effective labour governance in a strategic collaboration meeting

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote decent work, social justice, and effective labour governance in the country, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Salihu Usman, announced on Sunday.

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Usman made the remarks during a coordination meeting between the ministry and the ILO in Abuja, a forum aimed at aligning government initiatives with international labour standards.

The statement was issued by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel.

The ILO, a specialised United Nations agency founded in 1919, supports countries in advancing social justice, internationally recognised labour rights, and workplace protections.

Usman highlighted that the long-standing partnership has contributed to improving occupational safety, fostering social dialogue, strengthening labour administration, and enhancing compliance with international labour standards in Nigeria.

“Joint initiatives between the ministry and the ILO have consistently produced positive outcomes in addressing labour-related issues in the country,” Usman said, adding that coordination meetings had paused for some time due to administrative challenges but were deliberately resumed to ensure strategic alignment.

Key challenges facing Nigeria’s labour sector, according to Usman, include rising youth unemployment, skill shortages, the growth of the informal economy, labour migration management, workplace safety concerns, the need to strengthen social protection systems, and child labour.

He noted that addressing these issues requires robust institutions, coherent policies, and effective technical collaboration with development partners such as the ILO.

The meetings aim to help professional departments within the ministry align their work with the ILO’s country programme priorities, reduce duplication of efforts, improve information sharing, and develop practical roadmaps with clear responsibilities and timelines.

In her remarks, ILO Country Director Vanessa Phala reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting the ministry through policy alignment, technical assistance, and capacity-building programmes.

“This forum serves to check with one another that we are still on the right track. Implementation will be seamless because what we are supporting you with is already reflected in your departmental priorities or work plan,” Phala said, emphasising the importance of aligning initiatives with the government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

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The coordination meeting also provided a platform for strategic engagement among key stakeholders, including government institutions, workers’ organisations, employers, and development partners involved in labour sector reforms.