Nigeria’s dedication to tripartism, social dialogue, and decent work was praised by the International Labor Organization (ILO) on Sunday.
When meeting with the labor minister Chris Ngige over the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland, ILO director-general Gilbert Houngbo made the commendation.
The Minister’s spokesperson Olajide Oshundun said this in a statement.
The Minister was in Geneva for a meeting of the ILO’s governing body.
Two instruments—Conventions 1975 (143) on Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) and Convention 1997 (181) on Private Employment Agencies—that Nigeria ratified were presented by Mr. Ngige to the head of the ILO.
While accepting the conventions, Mr. Houngbo noted that the Nigerian government had recently rekindled its commitment to tripartism, social dialogue, and decent work.
This, in his opinion, makes it possible to ratify four conventions in a calendar 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.
News Agency of Nigeria
