ILO lauds Nigeria’s commitment to social dialogue

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Sunday commended Nigeria for its commitment to tripartism, social dialogue and decent work.

The ILO director-eneral, Gilbert Houngbo, made the commendation when he received labour minister Chris Ngige, at the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is contained in a statement by the minister’s spokesman Olajide Oshundun.

The minister was in Geneva to attend the ILO governing body meeting.

Mr Ngige presented to the ILO boss, two instruments comprising conventions 1975 (143) on Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention and Convention 1997 (181) on Private Employment Agencies, which Nigeria ratified.

Mr Houngbo, while receiving the conventions, said he noted the renewed passion and commitment which the Nigerian government had given to tripartism, social dialogue and decent work in the past few years.

According to him, this is making it possible to ratify four conventions in a year.

“I recall that Nigeria’s minister was here in November 2022, to deposit  two ratified instruments – Conventions 2006 C (187) on Promotional framework for occupational safety and Health, and 2019 C (190) on Violence and Harassment. Also, in less than five months, the nation has ratified and deposited two additional conventions. That is quite commendable,” Mr Houngbo said.

The ILO boss also noted the contributions of Mr Ngige to the governing body and the congress since 2016, while describing him as “knowledgeable and industrious.”

“He has been a great voice in the governing body and we will appreciate if he keeps in touch with the ILO even after his present tenure as Nigeria’s minister,” the ILO director-general stated.

Mr Ngige while depositing the ratified Conventions C143 and C181, said they are critical in widening employment net and decent job in the world of work. He also noted that the conventions would reinforce Nigeria’s capacity and enhance cooperation with other countries in protecting migrant workers through ethical recruitment.

“These conventions will enhance remittance flow and optimise the benefits of organised labour migration in our country. It will go further to reinforce our ability to enter into bilateral labour agreement (BLA) or memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with destination countries who have ratified the same Convention,” Mr Ngige said.

(NAN)