Nigeria has been given until September to report back to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on measures taken to address concerns over labour rights, trade union freedoms and compliance with international labour standards.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Nuhu Toro, while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the ongoing 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to Toro, the ILO, the United Nations agency responsible for promoting decent work and protecting workers’ rights across the world, set the deadline following discussions on complaints relating to workers’ welfare and Nigeria’s implementation of key labour conventions it has ratified.
He said the timeline presents an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and fulfilling its obligations under international labour laws.
“We are excited that Nigeria has been given a timeline to revert back on issues of core complaints, particularly concerning ILO Conventions 87 and 98,” Toro said.
“The entire issue of workers’ welfare in Nigeria is critical to us, and we believe this process will help advance labour rights protections.”
Toro explained that Convention 87 deals with freedom of association and the protection of workers’ rights to organise themselves into unions without interference.
Convention 98, on the other hand, focuses on the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining with employers over wages, working conditions and other employment matters.
Nigeria, as a member of the ILO, has ratified both conventions and is expected to ensure that its laws, policies and practices align with the principles contained in them.
According to Toro, workers’ organisations had raised concerns over Nigeria’s compliance with the conventions, leading to deliberations at the international conference.
He said the Nigerian government is now expected to provide updates on the practical steps taken to address the issues highlighted.
“From now to September, Nigeria is expected to revert to the ILO on the issues raised,” he said.
“That timeline provides an opportunity for authorities and stakeholders to demonstrate progress on labour rights reforms.”
The International Labour Conference, often referred to as the parliament of labour, brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from ILO member states to discuss global labour issues and set international standards.
This year’s conference has focused on strengthening labour protections, promoting decent work and addressing emerging workplace challenges across member countries.
For Nigeria, the ILO’s directive comes at a time when organised labour has continued to push for better welfare packages, improved working conditions and respect for trade union independence.
In recent years, labour unions have repeatedly expressed concerns over issues ranging from wage disputes and delayed implementation of agreements to alleged interference in union affairs.
Toro also used the briefing to highlight efforts by the TUC to promote gender inclusion within the labour movement.
He said the congress had deliberately introduced policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in leadership positions across its structures nationwide.
According to him, the positions of state secretary and vice-chairperson have been reserved for women in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the initiative had significantly improved women’s representation within the labour movement.
“Before the current administration, you could hardly find five women in meetings attended by more than 100 comrades from across Nigeria,” Toro said.
“Today, many women are beneficiaries of our gender inclusion policy and are actively participating in leadership processes.”
He noted that women now occupy strategic positions within the congress, including serving as chairpersons of the TUC in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Toro said the policy reflects the congress’ determination to remove barriers that have traditionally limited women’s advancement both within organised labour and in society generally.
“We are determined to ensure women’s voices are heard,” he said.
“We will do everything possible to shatter the glass ceiling and promote greater gender representation within organised labour.”
Despite these gains, the TUC secretary-general expressed concern over what he described as growing interference by some state governments in trade union administration.
He alleged that actions by authorities in Lagos, Rivers and Edo states had undermined democratically elected labour leaders and weakened the independence of trade unions.
“It is unfortunate that some state authorities continue to interfere in trade union affairs,” Toro said.
“Trade unions must be allowed to operate independently and in line with their constitutions and democratic processes.”
He urged governments at all levels to respect workers’ rights and uphold internationally recognised principles governing freedom of association and collective bargaining.
According to him, allowing unions to function independently is essential to maintaining industrial harmony and strengthening democratic institutions.
Toro reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and ensuring full compliance with international labour standards.
He said organised labour would continue to engage relevant authorities and international partners to improve workers’ welfare and safeguard the rights guaranteed under global conventions.
The September deadline is expected to place greater attention on Nigeria’s labour practices, with workers, employers and the international community watching closely to see how the country responds to the concerns raised.