The federal government has urged the leadership of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to support youth employment and social security in Nigeria.
This is even as the government pushed for the engagements of Nigerian professionals at ILO.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha made the appeal during a meeting with the Director-General of ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 350th Session of the ILO Governing Body.
The Minister, who represented the federal government, congratulated Houngbo as the first African DG of the ILO for over 100 years of its establishment, assuring him of President Bola Tinubu’s support and cooperation on strategic partnership.
She also commended Houngbo’s achievements, including promoting social justice and fighting inequalities in the world of work. She also commended the ILO’s successful implementation of programs in Nigeria, particularly those focused on youth employment, a key priority for President Bola Tinunu’s administration.
She also commended Houngbo’s achievements, including promoting social justice and fighting inequalities in the world of work. She also commended the ILO’s successful implementation of programs in Nigeria, particularly those focused on youth employment, a key priority for President Bola Tinunu’s administration.
“We will require technical assistance from you, in the departments in our Ministry, especially in the areas of digitalisation.
“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 be employed into the ILO to bridge the under-representation of Nigeria in the ILO workforce, both locally and internationally.”
The minister informed the ILO DG that Nigeria was vying for re-election into the GB of the ILO as Regular Member for the 2024-2027 Triennium, and sought the support of the ILO.
“Nigeria currently contributes the second-highest amount among African nations to the ILO budget, and Minister Onyejeocha requested increased collaboration and representation.
“This includes seeking more technical support for the development of youth employment programs and skills development initiatives,” the statement said.
“Additionally, Nigeria requested the ILO’s assistance in upgrading the ILO office in Abuja to a “Decent Work Office” serving English-speaking West Africa.
Developing action plans for the implementation of recently ratified ILO Conventions. Digitalising and strengthening the country’s labour inspection system. Building capacity for Nigerian labour ministry officials.
“Increasing the number of Nigerian professionals employed by the ILO.
Nigeria also announced its candidacy for re-election to the ILO Governing Body for the 2024-2027 triennium and requested the ILO’s support.
“The Minister concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with the ILO to promote decent work and social justice for all Nigerians,” the statement added.
The ILO DG extolled Onyejeocha and Nigerians at the ILO, saying they have made good records of themselves.
He promised that the ILO would continue to provide support for the country.
He said: “I am happy to see a woman as a Labour Minister from Nigeria and a former parliamentarian. Extend my greetings to the President of Nigeria, Bola. Actually, Bola in my place means God that is why I will always remember his name.
“Your representatives here in ILO are doing well, and Nigeria as our partner will continue to have our support on labour relations.”
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