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…As delays stall reforms
By Bimbola Oyesola
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has charged the National Assembly to prioritise and fast-track the passage of the new labour law to ensure the country’s labour framework reflects modern workplace realities.
The employers body also raised concerns that the new laws might become obsolete before being passed.
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale Oyerinde, speaking at a workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Lagos, noted that many of Nigeria’s labour laws, some over 51 years old, were no longer relevant in today’s evolving work environment.
He lamented that despite the completion of a new labour law draft two years ago, with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the reforms have stalled in the legislative process.
“The draft law was submitted to the Ministry and approved by the FEC, yet it remains stuck in the National Assembly despite numerous engagements.
“It is baffling that while issues like the minimum wage were addressed within days, labour reforms have lingered,” Oyerinde said. He stressed the need for reforms to address emerging workplace trends, such as the rise of platform and care economies, which are reshaping global labour dynamics.
The workshop, which focused on the International Labour Organization’s Multinational Enterprises (MNE) declaration and other global instruments, was organized in collaboration with the ILO, the International Organization of Employers, and multinational enterprise representatives and funded by the Government of France as part of the France-ILO partnership.
Benedetta Nobile, representing the ILO’s Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
She stressed that businesses must respect human rights and align their practices with global standards. “It is now vital for businesses to mitigate reputational risks, ensure compliance with global regulations, and promote sustainability across supply chains. “This is achievable if organisations align their operations with the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) standards set by the ILO to achieve decent work,” Nobile said.
Stakeholders raised concerns over issues such as external pressures on business operations, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and an unfavourable economic environment.
The workshop not only provided a platform for employers to advance their knowledge but also served as a call to action for businesses to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. Stakeholders collectively acknowledged the growing global demand for Responsible Business Conduct as key to mitigating reputational risks and ensuring compliance with international laws.
