ILO gives Nigeria deadline on labour rights concerns

Nigeria has been given a September deadline to report to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on steps taken to address labour rights concerns.

Nuhu Toro, the Secretary-General of Trade Union Congress (TUC), disclosed this when he briefed newsmen on Friday.

The briefing centred on the outcomes of the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Toro said ILO, the specialised UN agency for the world of work, gave Nigeria the deadline to report on measures the country has taken in addressing labour rights concerns.

He said the development followed deliberations on complaints concerning workers’ rights, trade union freedoms, and implementation of key international labour standards ratified by Nigeria.

Toro expressed hope over the decision, describing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment to improving workers’ welfare and compliance with international labour obligations.

He said: “We are excited that Nigeria has been given a timeline to revert back on issues of core complaints, particularly concerning ILO Conventions 87 and 98.

“The entire issue of workers’ welfare in Nigeria is critical to us, and we believe this process will help advance labour rights protections.”

Toro explained that Convention 87 deals with freedom of association and protection of the right to organise, while Convention 98 focuses on collective bargaining rights.

According to him, Nigeria is expected to provide updates on steps taken to address concerns raised by workers’ organisations regarding compliance with the conventions.

He said: “From now to September, Nigeria is expected to revert to the ILO on the issues raised.

“That timeline provides an opportunity for authorities and stakeholders to demonstrate progress on labour rights reforms.”

Toro also welcomed the adoption of measures promoting gender inclusion within trade unions, saying the TUC had implemented deliberate policies to increase women’s participation in leadership positions.

He said the congress reserved the positions of state secretary and vice-chairperson for women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “Before the current administration, you could hardly find 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.”

The TUC secretary-general noted that women currently occupy strategic leadership positions, including the chairperson positions of the congress in Lagos State and the FCT.

According to him, the policy aligns with the congress’ commitment to breaking barriers limiting women’s advancement within the labour movement and broader society.

He added: “We are determined to ensure women’s voices are heard.

“We will do everything possible to shatter the glass ceiling and promote greater gender representation within organised labour.”

Toro, however, expressed concern over what he described as increasing state interference in trade union administration in some parts of the country.

He cited cases in Lagos, Rivers and Edo States, alleging that government actions had undermined democratically elected labour leaders and weakened trade union independence.

He said: “It is unfortunate that some state authorities continue to interfere in trade union affairs.

“Trade unions must be allowed to operate independently and in line with their constitutions and democratic processes.”

The labour chief urged governments at all levels to respect workers’ rights and uphold internationally recognised principles governing freedom of association and collective bargaining.