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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
As Nigeria intensifies reforms in employment, labour migration and decent work, the Federal Government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have renewed calls for stronger labour market governance and more responsible media reporting.
The message formed the focus of the Dialogue Series 2 on Media Engagement and Inclusive Reporting, a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists, editors and communication officers held under the framework of the Decent Work Country Programme III (DWCP III) in Abuja recently.
In his remarks, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, said the workshop comes at a crucial moment as the country advances the National Employment Policy 2025, the National Labour Migration Policy and other national frameworks designed to strengthen labour governance systems.
Represented by Mrs Halima Bitrus-Austine, he said accurate, responsible and evidence-based communication remains central to these efforts, noting that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, influencing policy and amplifying awareness on labour, migration and decent work issues. “We recognise the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception, influencing policy discourse and amplifying awareness on employment, labour migration and decent work issues.
“The Ministry therefore welcomes this initiative which seeks to enhance the capacity of journalists, editors and communication professionals to report fairly, inclusively and in line with rights based principles. Strengthening the media’s ability to interpret and communicate labour market information is essential to fostering public understanding, dispelling misconceptions and promoting informed decision making. We commend the ILO and all partners for convening this third year engagement, as well as the participants for their commitment to improving the quality of labour and migration reportage in Nigeria,” he said.
Aso speaking ILO Country Director Vanessa Phala, said the workshop is being implemented through two major GIZ-supported projects—Strengthening Employment and Employability Systems in Nigeria under the SKYE 2 Programme, and the Action for Improving Labour Migration Governance in Nigeria, known as the ACTION Project.
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According to the Phala who was represented by Senior Programme Officer Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, the projects directly support DWCP III priorities, including improved access to decent jobs, strengthened labour market governance and enhanced labour migration management. The country director stressed that accurate and responsible reporting shapes public perception, influences policy and affects the lives of millions of workers. She described journalists as guardians of truth whose reporting can accelerate positive change in the world of work, adding that participants will receive guidance on ILO reporting standards and practical tools such as the global media toolkit on forced labour and fair recruitment.
In his goodwill message, the NLC President Joe Ajaero, who was represented by Mr Fidelis Nok, raised concern over what he described as the increasing misuse of media platforms by powerful interests seeking to distort narratives around workplace conditions and industrial disputes.
He said recent national disputes demonstrated the need for courageous and fact-based journalism that amplifies workers’ realities rather than suppresses them.
Ajaero commended labour-focused journalists for their professionalism during recent strikes and urged participants to challenge any attempt to misrepresent workplace conditions or silence workers’ voices.
He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to decent work, fair labour practices and a media environment that strengthens transparency and justice.
