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From Fred Itua, Abuja
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged the leadership of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for increased support for youth employment and social security in Nigeria.
This is even as she pushed for the engagements of Nigerian professionals at ILO.
Onyejeocha made the call when she met with the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 350th Session of the ILO Governing Body.
The Minister, on behalf of Government of Nigeria, congratulated Houngbo as the first African head of the ILO after over 100 years of its establishment, assuring him of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support and cooperation on strategic partnerships.
She also commended his achievements, including promoting social justice and fighting inequalities in the world of work.
She also commended the ILO’s successful implementation of programmes in Nigeria, particularly those focused on youth employment, a key priority for President Tinunu’s administration.
She said: “We are seeing your handwork on labour relations, and we are proud of you as the first African DG, after 100 years.
“We will requiring technical assistance from you, in the departments in our Ministry, especially in the areas of digitalisation.
“Nigeria is the second highest African contributor to the ILO budget (next to South Africa), thus the need to be more involved and strategically placed in the ILO. We therefore specially request that more Nigerian professionals to employed into the ILO to bridge the under-representation of Nigeria in the ILO workforce, both locally and internationally.”
The Minister, therefore informed the ILO boss that Nigeria is vying for re-election into the Governing Body of the ILO as Regular Member for the 2024-2027 Triennium, and covets the support of the ILO.
Nigeria currently contributes the second highest amount among African nations to the ILO budget, and Minister Onyejeocha requested increased collaboration and representation.
This includes “seeking more technical support for the development of youth employment programs and skills development initiatives.
Additionally, Nigeria requested the ILO’s assistance in ppgrading the ILO office in Abuja to a “Decent Work Office” serving English-speaking West Africa.
“Developing action plans for the implementation of recently ratified ILO Conventions. Digitalising and strengthening the country’s labour inspection system. Building capacity for Nigerian labor ministry officials.
“Increasing the number of Nigerian professionals employed by the ILO.
Nigeria also announced its candidacy for re-election to the ILO Governing Body for the 2024-2027 triennium and requested the ILO’s support,” she noted.
The Minister concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with the ILO to promote decent work and social justice for all Nigerians.
In his response, the ILO boss extolled Onyejeocha and Nigerians at the ILO, saying they have made good records of themselves. He promised that the ILO would continue to provide support for the country.
He said: “I am happy to see a woman as a Labour Minister from Nigeria, and a former parliamentarian. Extend my greetings to the President of Nigeria, Bola. Actually, Bola in my place means God, that is why I will always remember his name.
“Your representatives here in ILO are doing well, and Nigeria as our partner will continue to have our support on labour relations.”
