The Federal Government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are strengthening their collaboration to promote decent work, social justice, and effective labour governance in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Salihu Usman, stated this during a coordination meeting between the ministry and the ILO held in Abuja.
Usman said the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the ILO has continued to support the country’s efforts to advance decent work, improve occupational safety and health, promote social dialogue, strengthen labour administration, and enhance the application of international labour standards.
He explained that joint initiatives between the ministry and the ILO have consistently produced positive results in addressing labour-related issues in the country.
He noted that although the coordination meeting had not been convened for some time due to administrative challenges, the ministry took deliberate steps to ensure its resumption in recognition of its strategic importance.
Usman further disclosed several challenges currently facing Nigeria’s labour sector, including rising youth unemployment, skill shortages, the expansion of the informal economy, labour migration management, workplace safety concerns, and the need to strengthen social protection systems while tackling child labour.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires strong institutions, coherent policies, and effective technical collaboration with development partners such as the ILO.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the coordination meeting would enable professional departments within the ministry to harmonise their work with the ILO’s country programme priorities, ensuring alignment with national development objectives and international obligations.
He added that the engagement would also improve coordination between the ministry and the ILO Abuja Country Office, reduce duplication of efforts, enhance information sharing, and help develop practical roadmaps with clearly defined responsibilities and timelines.
In her remarks, ILO Country Director Vanessa Phala reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the ministry through policy alignment that promotes decent work, strengthens labour standards, and supports sustainable employment initiatives.
Phala noted that regular engagement between the ministry and the ILO remains critical to ensuring the effective implementation of joint programmes and addressing emerging challenges in the labour sector.
She explained that the technical collaboration meetings were designed to provide opportunities for both sides to update each other on ongoing programmes, address implementation challenges, and ensure that their activities remain aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities.
She stated that the platform also offers an avenue for strategic coordination among key stakeholders, including government institutions, workers’ organisations, employers, and other partners involved in labour sector reforms.
She added: “We have to make sure that what we are doing continues to be aligned with the ministry’s priority as well as the government’s priority under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially as it relates to the renewed hope agenda. So we need to make sure that as we are speeding with our train, we don’t lose track of the priorities on the ground, and this forum serves to check with one another that we are still on the right track.
“For us at the ILO, it is also important that the work that we do is represented or reflected in the ministry’s own programme of work. That way, we are assured that the coordination will be seamless. Implementation will be seamless because what we are supporting you with is already reflected in your departmental priorities or work plan.”
Phala added that the ILO would continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building programmes to support the ministry in addressing emerging labour challenges and protecting vulnerable workers across the country.
