From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Nigeria has restated its firm commitment to deepening collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in promoting social justice and decent work globally.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, made this pledge on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, while responding to the report of the ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, during the 113th International Labour Conference.
According to a statement issued by Patience Onuobia, spokesperson of the ministry, Dingyadi affirmed that Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition and believes sustainable development is rooted in inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust democratic institutions.
“The Director-General’s report, titled ‘Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection’, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, designed to institute sustained socio-economic prosperity in the country through attaining job creation, inclusiveness, food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, access to capital, improved security of life and property, rule of law, and the fight against corruption,” he said.
The minister described the report as timely and commended its emphasis on accelerating social justice as a core driver of peace and sustainable development.
Leading the Nigerian delegation to the global gathering, Dingyadi reiterated the government’s commitment, alongside tripartite constituents, to advancing social justice within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He disclosed that Nigeria had signed on to the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice, which seeks to build equitable societies and promote global development through collective action.
“Nigeria, in furtherance of this commitment, signed on to the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice, geared towards building an equitable society for all Nigerians and partnering with the ILO to achieve its goals and global aspirations for the common good,” he said.
Dingyadi also highlighted domestic policy efforts aligned with ILO goals, citing the approval of a new national minimum wage in July 2024 as a major milestone in improving workers’ welfare.
He said the measure was part of a broader strategy for economic fairness, fair distribution of economic gains, and decent work.
The minister further noted that the government was scaling up efforts to combat child and forced labour as a pathfinder country under Alliance 8.7.
Recognising that over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s labour force operates in the informal economy, Dingyadi stressed that ongoing reforms were aimed at formalising the sector.
“We are conscious that over 60% of Nigeria’s labour force operates in the informal economy. Therefore, through various MSME support programmes, tax reforms, and digital registration drives, we are transitioning informal businesses into the formal economy, while expanding social protection coverage,” he said.
He added that Nigeria had reviewed its National Employment Policy and was investing heavily in digital infrastructure and ICT training to equip the workforce for the future.
“The Nigerian government has recently reviewed the National Employment Policy to ensure decent work for Nigerians across sectors,” he noted.
He also referenced the National Digital Literacy Framework as a critical initiative for preparing Nigerian youth for digital-era jobs.
Dingyadi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to industrial harmony through dialogue and collaboration, describing tripartism as a cornerstone of sustainable labour relations.
“Nigeria is persuaded that tripartism is an essential principle for lasting industrial peace and harmony. We have institutionalised mechanisms for collective bargaining and regular consultations among constituents to ensure peaceful industrial relations and collaborative policymaking,” he said.
The minister further urged the ILO member states to work collectively in addressing global labour challenges.