The Federal Government of Nigeria has addressed the complaint filed against it by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). According to Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the government met the September 1 deadline given by the ILO to address outstanding issues raised by the NLC. The complaint was filed by the NLC at the last International Labour Conference in Geneva, alleging violations of the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).
Dr. Shoretire disclosed this information at a training workshop for labour correspondents in Abuja. He stated that it is normal for labour unions to take disputes to the ILO when they feel that the government is not responsive. As a member of the ILO, Nigeria is expected to respond to such complaints. The NLC had alleged that workers in Nigeria face persistent violations and that trade union leaders are threatened, assaulted, intimidated, and victimised.
The Federal Government is currently engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with various sectors, including health and education, on proposals for a new minimum wage for workers. Although a timetable for fresh negotiations has not been announced, background discussions are ongoing. Dr. Shoretire said that when the time comes to involve the press in the negotiations, the details will be revealed.
According to Dr. Shoretire, various discussions with sectors that have lots of issues in terms of wages and allowances are ongoing and being fast-tracked to reflect in next year's budget. The wage award, he said, still exists and the government has not ordered its stoppage. Additionally, the ministry supports skills development through apprenticeship programmes and training centres.
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) invests heavily in building artisanal skills. Dr. Shoretire also hinted that additional incentives for workers and citizens will be announced in the coming weeks. The NLC had asked the ILO Committee to find Nigeria in breach of Articles 1, 2, and 4 of Convention No. 98.
In his keynote address, Dr. Shoretire urged labour reporters to report with accuracy, fairness, and objectivity. He emphasized the importance of responsible reporting in labour matters. The training workshop was aimed at equipping labour correspondents with the necessary skills to report on labour issues effectively.
The Federal Government's response to the NLC petition and its efforts to address labour issues demonstrate its commitment to improving the working conditions of Nigerian workers. The government's initiatives, including the proposed new minimum wage and additional incentives, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of workers and citizens.
Key points
- The Federal Government has responded to the NLC petition filed at the ILO over alleged anti-labour practices.
- The government is engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with various sectors on proposals for a new minimum wage for workers.
- Additional incentives for workers and citizens will be announced in the coming weeks.
