Emameh Gabriel explores Onyejeocha’s engagements at the just concluded session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) held in Geneva.
The 350th session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) wrapped up in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, March 15th, 2023, following two weeks of intensive discussions on crucial labour issues. The session provided a platform for member states to address critical labour issues and other key issues that jointly affect them.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, played a pivotal role in representing the nation’s interests and advocating for key priorities.
The conference prioritised strengthening the global response to child labour, a significant concern for many countries. Discussions also focused on ensuring adherence to the updated ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (2022). This declaration emphasises core labour principles like freedom of association, elimination of forced labour, and non-discrimination.
The session also reviewed progress on the ILO Action Plan for Gender Equality (2022-2025), which aims to bridge the gender gap in the workplace, one of the key areas the Minister has strongly advocated for in the last decades in the parliament. Additionally, updates were provided on initiatives like the Global Coalition for Social Justice, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing labour challenges.
Further more, the conference addressed concerns regarding democratisation within the ILO’s governance structure and the ratification of amendments to its constitution. Discussions also addressed labour rights violations in specific countries, including Belarus, Myanmar, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Nicaragua, and Bangladesh.
During the conference, Onyejeocha in her usual stance, ensured that Nigeria’s perspective was heard. On the sideline of the event, she advocated for several key priorities that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s goals, which include the call for the ILO’s increased support in developing youth employment programmes and skills development initiatives in Nigeria. This focus aligns with the administration’s recognition of youth as a critical driver of national development.
The Minister, who on behalf of Government of Nigeria, congratulated Houngbo as the first African DG of the ILO for after over 100 years of its establishment, assured him of President Tinubu’s support and cooperation on strategic partnership.
She also commended his achievements, including promoting social justice and fighting inequalities in the world of work. She commended the ILO’s successful implementation of programmes in Nigeria, particularly those focused on youth employment, a key priority for the current administration.
During her meeting with the DG, the honourable minister announced Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election to the ILO governing body for the 2024-2027 triennium. The governing body is the executive council of the ILO and plays a vital role in shaping its policies and programmes. The minister believes that Nigeria’s re-election would solidify the country’s voice within the organisation and enable it to contribute more effectively to global labour issues.
“Nigeria is the second highest African contributor to the ILO budget (next to South Africa), thus the need to be more involved and strategically placed in the ILO. We therefore specially request that more Nigerian professionals to be employed into the ILO to bridge the under-representation of Nigeria in the ILO workforce, both locally and internationally”, she said.
She emphasised the need for “increased efforts” to establish social security programmes for Nigerians. Social security provides a safety net for citizens, particularly those facing unemployment, illness, or old age.
Onyejeocha did not stop there, she highlighted Nigeria’s under-representation within the ILO workforce and requested increased opportunities for Nigerian professionals. This aligns with the desire for a more inclusive and representative in ILO. She also proposed upgrading the ILO office in Abuja to a “Decent Work Office” serving English-speaking West Africa.
She said “this would strengthen the ILO’s presence in the region and enhance its ability to support member states.
Onyejeocha emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with the ILO to promote decent work and social justice for all Nigerians. This commitment aligns with the ILO’s core objectives of creating a fair and just global labor market.
On his part, the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, commended Onyejeocha’s leadership and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s contributions to the organization. He pledged the ILO’s continued support for Nigeria’s development efforts, particularly regarding youth employment and social security.
In the lead-up to her recent trip to Geneva, Onyejeocha has been actively involved in numerous discussions with Nigerian organised labour to address worker anxieties. These talks have proven successful, fostering a more harmonious environment between the government and the unions.
Currently, the Minister is tackling a crucial national assignment, representing the federal government on the ongoing minimum wage review for Nigerian workers, entrusted to her by President Tinubu. Her leadership has ushered in a new era of collaboration between the government and labour groups.
The Minister envisions the Ministry of Labour expanding its role beyond conflict resolution. She believes the ministry can leverage other departments within its structure to create employment opportunities for Nigerians and cultivate a more welcoming work environment for all. This was well expressed in her engagements in Geneva.
Emameh Gabriel is the Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment. He writes from Abuja
