Nigeria has been given until September this year to report to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on measures taken to address labour rights concerns in the country.
Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland, at the conclusion of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Nuhu Toro, said the directive followed deliberations on complaints relating to workers’ rights, trade union freedoms and the implementation of key international labour standards ratified by Nigeria.
Toro welcomed the decision, describing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and complying with international labour obligations.
“We are pleased that Nigeria has been given a timeline to respond to issues arising from the core complaints, particularly those relating to ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
“The issue of workers’ welfare in Nigeria remains critical to us, and we believe this process will help advance the protection of labour rights,” he said.
He explained that Convention 87 addresses freedom of association and the protection of the right to organise, while Convention 98 focuses on the right to collective bargaining.
According to him, Nigeria is expected to provide updates on measures taken to address concerns raised by workers’ organisations regarding compliance with the conventions.
“From now until September, Nigeria is expected to report back to the ILO on the issues raised. This timeline provides an opportunity for authorities and stakeholders to demonstrate progress on labour rights reforms,” Toro added.
The TUC Secretary-General also welcomed the adoption of measures aimed at promoting gender inclusion within trade unions, noting that the Congress had introduced deliberate policies to increase women’s participation in leadership positions.
He said the TUC had reserved the positions of State Secretary and Vice-Chairperson for women in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Before the current TUC leadership, it was difficult to find even five women in meetings attended by more than 100 comrades from across Nigeria.
“Today, many women are beneficiaries of our gender inclusion policy and are actively participating in leadership processes,” he said.
Toro noted that women currently occupy strategic leadership positions within the Congress, including the chairpersonship of the organisation in Lagos State and the FCT.
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He said the policy reflects the Congress’ commitment to removing barriers that hinder women’s advancement within the labour movement and society at large.
“We are determined to ensure that women’s voices are heard. We will do everything possible to break the glass ceiling and promote greater gender representation within organised labour,” he stated.
The TUC Secretary-General reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to protecting workers’ interests and ensuring full compliance with international labour standards across the country.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as increasing government interference in trade union administration in some parts of the country.
Toro cited cases in Lagos, Rivers and Edo states, alleging that certain government actions had undermined democratically elected labour leaders and weakened trade union independence.
“It is unfortunate that some state authorities continue to interfere in trade union affairs.
“Trade unions must be allowed to operate independently and in accordance with their constitutions and democratic processes,” he said.
He urged governments at all levels to respect workers’ rights and uphold internationally recognised principles governing freedom of association and collective bargaining.
