By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigerian government states that it is committed to promoting social justice and decent work for sustainable peace and development within the country.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari, who led the Nigeria delegates at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, said this during a plenary session on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.
Maigari, speaking in response to the Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) ‘s reports, said Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition.
According to him, Nigeria acknowledges that sustainable development hinges on inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust democratic institutions.
“I am happy to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, with its tripartite constituents, is committed to advancing social justice.
“In furtherance of this, Nigeria signed on to the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice as part of our continued commitment towards building an equitable society for all Nigerians. Also, partnering with the ILO to achieve its goals and global aspirations for the common good,” he said.
He stated that Nigeria highlighted the theme of the DG’s report, as it aligns with the mandates and aspirations of the priority areas outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the agenda was designed to reposition Nigeria as a prime global investment destination.
“The agenda is hinged on the vision of pursuing and instituting sustained socio-economic prosperity for our country through attaining job creation, inclusiveness, and food security.
“Others are poverty eradication, economic growth, access to capital, improving the security of life and property, rule of law and fight against corruption.
“These priorities aim at building a more just and equitable society that is an essential and critical component for our national growth and development, as well as laying a springboard for international integration,” he said.
He, however, stated that Nigeria had approved a new National Minimum Wage, which was collectively negotiated and aimed at improving living conditions for workers.
On eradication of child labour, Nigeria, as a Pathfinder Country under Alliance 8.7, was intensifying efforts to eliminate child labour and forced labour, among others.
He also said that the country was conscious that over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s labour force operates in the informal economy.
“Therefore, through various MSME support programmes, tax reforms, and digital registration drives, we are transitioning informal businesses into the formal economy. This is while expanding social protection coverage,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference started on June 2 and will end on June 13.
The conference has representatives from government, employer and worker delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states.
It will address essential workplace matters, such as potential new international standards on the protection of workers against biological hazards in the workplace and decent work, among others.
