Nigeria has identified inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices and robust democratic Institutions as significant for sustainable development.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi stated this while responding to the address by the Director General of the International Labour Organisation ILO at the on going 113th session of the International Labour Conference ILC, going on in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Director General’s address was on the theme, “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection“.
Speaking, the Minister appreciated the
ILO and its constituents for what he called the continued commitment to promoting social justice and decent work.
“We acknowledge with high regard the inspiring report of the Director-General, which rightly focuses on accelerating action towards social justice as a driver for sustainable peace and development.
“Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition and acknowledges that sustainable development hinges on inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust
democratic institutions.
“The DGs report this year, draws attention to current realities in the world of work underpinned by global socio-economic, cutural and technological transformations that threaten the once secured traditional
jobs and livelihood of workers”, Dr Dingyadi stated.
He believes that these realities have blurred the lines that clearly demarcates the dynamics of work as it was known before now.
According to him, Nigeria notes the theme of the DG’s report saying it aligns with the mandates and aspirations of the priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration, designed to reposition Nigeria as “a prime global investment destination.
“The Agenda is hinged on the vision of pursuing and instituting sustained socio
economic prosperity for our country through attaining job creation, inclusiveness, food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, access to capital, improving the security of life and property, rule of law and fight against corruption.
“These priorities aim at building a more just and equitable society that is an essential and critical component for our national growth and development as well as laying a springboard for international integration”, he said.
Dr Dingyadi told the gathering that the Federal Government of Nigeria with its tripartite constituents are committed to advancing social justice.
This he said, is evident with Nigeria signing on to the ILO Global Coalition for Social
Justice as part of the nation’s continued commitment towards building
an equitable society for all Nigerians and partnering with the ILO to achieve its goals and global aspirations for the common
good.
In July 2024 the Minister disclosed, Nigeria approved a new National Minimum Wage
that was collectively negotiated aimed at ensuring improved living conditions for workers addig tgat the move was part of government’s broader strategy for economic fairness, fair distibution of economic
gains and decent work.
“Moreover, on the issue of eradication
of child labour, Nigeria, as a Pathfinder Country under Alliance 8.7 is intensifying efforts to eliminate child labour and forced
labour.
“We are reviewing national legislation, building capacities of partners, strengthening institutions, and implementing community-based programmes to rescue and
rehabilitate vulnerable children.
“We are conscious that over 60% of Nigeria’s labour force operates in the informal economy. Therefore, through various
MSME support programs, tax reforms, and digital registration drives, we are transitioning informal businesses into the formal economy while expanding soial protection coverage.
“In this regard, the Federal Government has recently reviewed the National Employment Policy to give full effect to its national aspirations in ensuring decent work for Nigerians across sectors”, he said.
The Minister also said that Nigeria has scaled investments in digital economy, infrastructure and ICT training through initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Framework.
These efforts ensure that youth and workers are equipped for jobs of the future.
“We look forward to the outcome of the standard setting discussion on the Platform Economy during this conference.
“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 policy making”.
Dr Dingyadi stressed that Nigeria looks forward to contributing in no small
measures to the “progressive strategies and discussions in the various committees designed at closing the rising gap of
inequality, devastating impact of climate change, widening technological threats, geographical insecurity and instability,
increasing high cost of living and trust deficit in institutions of governance”.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi is leading the Nigerian delegation to the Conference which ends on Friday 13th June 2025.
Hauwa Abu