The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concerns regarding Nigeria’s poor ranking in the global context of workers’ rights, noting that the country is once again listed among the ten worst nations for labor rights violations. This position has been deemed a national embarrassment, prompting the NLC to call on employers to take the lead in addressing and reversing this trend.Global Rights Index Ranking: President Joe Ajaero, represented by Adewale Adeyanju, highlighted the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index, which categorizes Nigeria as a significant violator of workers’ rights. He described this ranking as a “stain on our conscience.”Call for Leadership
Ajaero urged the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to demonstrate leadership by respecting labor laws, promoting collective bargaining, and affirming workers’ dignity.Collaboration and Implementation: He emphasized the need for closer collaboration between employers and organized labor to execute the resolutions from the recent International Labour Conference in Geneva, especially regarding the rapidly expanding platform economy and workplace safety.Dialogue for Industrial Peace: Ajaero commended NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for his openness to dialogue, stressing that cooperation is essential for achieving industrial peace.Domesticating ILO Conventions: The NLC called for NECA to work with them to domesticate new International Labour Organisation conventions aimed at ensuring decent work, particularly in the platform economy, and enhancing workplace health and safety protections.Standing Committee Proposal: Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s demand for the establishment of a Standing Committee between the NLC and NECA, which would serve as a mechanism for ongoing dialogue, conflict prevention, and resolution.Concern Over Legislative Changes: He voiced opposition to attempts by some state governors and lawmakers to remove labor matters from the Exclusive Legislative List, asserting that such actions could destabilize industrial relations.Broader Social Issues: Ajaero discussed overarching societal challenges, such as repression, shrinking civic space, and economic exclusion, emphasizing that a vibrant civic space is crucial for both businesses and workers.Workplace Justice and Fairness: He concluded by underscoring the essential role of workers in sustaining businesses, arguing that profit should not come at the expense of fairness and justice in workplace relations.Ajaero congratulated NECA on its 68th Annual General Meeting and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to improvements in workplace conditions across Nigeria.
