Geneva: Nigeria has been given a September deadline to report to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on steps taken to address labour rights concerns. Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General of Trade Union Congress (TUC), disclosed this on Friday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the ongoing 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Toro stated that the ILO, the specialised UN agency for the world of work, has set this deadline for Nigeria to report on measures taken to address labour rights concerns.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the development followed deliberations on complaints regarding workers’ rights, trade union freedoms, and the implementation of key international labour standards ratified by Nigeria. Toro expressed optimism about the decision, viewing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and compliance with international labour obligations. “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,” he said.
Toro explained that Convention 87 deals with freedom of association and protection of the right to organise, while Convention 98 focuses on collective bargaining rights. Nigeria is expected to provide updates on steps taken to address concerns raised by workers’ organisations regarding compliance with these conventions. “From now to September, Nigeria is expected to revert to the ILO on the issues raised. That timeline provides an opportunity for authorities and stakeholders to demonstrate progress on labour rights reforms,” he added.
Toro also welcomed the adoption of measures promoting gender inclusion within trade unions, noting that the TUC had implemented deliberate policies to increase women’s participation in leadership positions. The congress has reserved the positions of state secretary and vice-chairperson for women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “Before the current administration, you could hardly find five women in meetings attended by more than 100 comrades from across Nigeria. Today, many women are beneficiaries of our gender inclusion policy and are actively participating in leadership processes,” Toro stated.
He highlighted that women currently occupy strategic leadership positions, including the chairperson positions of the congress in Lagos State and the FCT. This policy aligns with the congress’ commitment to breaking barriers limiting women’s advancement within the labour movement and broader society. “We are determined to ensure women’s voices are heard. We will do everything possible to shatter the glass ceiling and promote greater gender representation within organised labour,” Toro said.
However, Toro expressed concern over what he described as increasing state interference in trade union administration in some parts of the country. He cited cases in Lagos, Rivers, and Edo states, alleging that government actions had undermined democratically elected labour leaders and weakened trade union independence. “It is unfortunate that some state authorities continue to interfere in trade union affairs. Trade unions must be allowed to operate independently and in line with their constitutions and democratic processes,” he emphasized.
Toro urged governments at all levels to respect workers’ rights and uphold internationally recognised principles governing freedom of association and collective bargaining. He reaffirmed TUC’s commitment to defending workers’ interests and ensuring full compliance with international labour standards across the country.