Economy
THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has commended the Nigeria Government for its commitment towards the promotion of decent work in the country.
It would be recalled that recently, the Nigeria Government ratified Conventions C187 (2006) Promotional Framework on Occupational Safety and Health and C 190 (2019) on Violence and Harassment.
Mr Gilbert Houngbo, ILO Director-General, gave the commendation in Geneva Switzerland, during the presentation of the Conventions which Nigeria ratified, to the Governing Body of the organisation by Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment.
Houngbo said the ratification of both conventions by Nigeria in one year, demonstrates the exemplary commitment of President Buhari to the enthronement of decent work and elimination of violence in work places.
He said this in a statemet signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, said this in the ministry said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the ILO boss, Nigeria is the first African nation to join the ILO, while commending her leading role.
He, however, pledged more technical assistance to enable Nigeria make more progress in the world of work.
Also, Ngige who commended the new Director General on his assumption of office , described his election as historic, being the first African to occupy the position.
He said it was a new chapter in the leadership history of the world body, adding that that his leadership of the ILO at this period in world history was significant in many ways.
According to Ngige, you have come on board when the fragile recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying unpredictable impact of climate change.
“This coupled with the current disruption of food and energy supply and other supply chains, surging overwhelming global inflation, crises arising from the hostility between Russia and Ukraine have all cumulatively engendered and triggered full-blown global recession.
“Secondly, providence had prepared you to steer the ship of the world of work through these turbulent and challenging times having made you serve this body in previous administration as one of the Deputy Director Generals.
`It is in the light of this development that Nigeria pledge her support and commitment to the success of your administration as it relates to the ILO global coalition for social justice and the renewed call for a new social contract,’’ he said.
The minister added that, Nigeria would continue to support his effort at ensuring that the ILO’s normative system at work and for social justice is sustained.
He said this was also in furtherance of “our shared commitment to protect Africa’s largest workforce against occupational injuries, diseases and even death at work’’.
He said the determination to create a work space based on human dignity, respect and right at work, freedom from violence and harassment that prompted the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He added that this was after due consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers and all relevant stakeholders to ratify the two conventions, which we are depositing the instruments today.
Ngige, while speaking on the two conventions which Nigeria ratified and deposited, said, “Key amongst the features of Convention No.190 that inspired government’s attention is Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“This is one of the most prevalent, yet hidden human rights violations, and which constitutes a primary barrier to achieving gender equality, particularly in the World of Work.
“Gender based violence stands as an impediment towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Particularly Goals 5 and 8 on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and Decent Work and Economic Growth respectively which fall directly within the purview of ILO’s mandate,” he said.
He added that necessary processes to ensure the effective domestication and implementation of these conventions have commenced.
He noted that the measures included but not limited to declaration of State of Emergence by the Nigeria Governors Forum on Gender-Based Violence and inauguration of Inter-ministerial Gender-Based Violence Management Committee.
He said others were Senate approval of the Sexual Harassment Bill in furtherance of the legislative agenda to protect women’s rights.
“Also, a formal signing of agreement by the Nigeria Police, National Human Rights Commission and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to join forces to combat the menace,’’he said.
The minister added that the deposit of the two ratified conventions was historic, since it is the first time the current administration would ratify two conventions within a year, adding that it has brought to 42 , the number ILO conventions already ratified by Nigeria .
“More ratification are on the way especially those on Labour Migration and its supplementary conventions; and Private Employment Agency Convention N0. 181, that are the topical contemporary issues in the world of work today.
“These conventions will hopefully come up for deposition on or before the next the Governing Body session in March 2023,’’he added.
He said their ratifications have been approved by the Nigerian Federal Executive Council.
Ngige further called on the ILO boss to assess and collaborate with Nigeria through the Abuja country Office.
“This is in identifying gaps for technical assistance in the development, improvement and implementation of required national policies and programmes on all conventions ratified by Nigeria”. (NAN)
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Tags: Gilbert Houngbo International Labour Organisation Olajide Oshundun
