The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s poor global standing on labour rights, following its inclusion among the world’s 10 worst countries for workers' rights violations in the latest 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index.
Describing the ranking as a national embarrassment, NLC President Joe Ajaero called on employers to take the lead in reversing the negative trend. He made this known during the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) held on Wednesday in Lagos. Ajaero was represented by Adewale Adeyanju, NLC Deputy President and former President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
“This is a stain on our conscience and a legacy none of us should accept. Many of these violations occur within enterprises represented here,” Ajaero said.
He urged NECA to promote compliance with labour laws, uphold collective bargaining, and protect workers’ dignity. “I urge NECA to lead by example: uphold collective bargaining, respect labour laws, and reaffirm the dignity of the workforce,” he added.
Ajaero emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between employers and labour unions, especially in implementing resolutions from the recent 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. He highlighted the importance of regulating the platform economy and improving workplace safety, noting that real progress requires joint action beyond declarations.
“Declarations alone are not enough. We must work side by side to translate these commitments into living realities that protect workers from the excesses of unregulated technology while capturing its benefits,” he said.
The NLC president praised NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for fostering open dialogue, describing labour and employers as partners with a shared purpose. He also called on NECA to join the NLC in domesticating recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, particularly on Decent Work in the Platform Economy and the Biohazards Convention to strengthen occupational health and safety.
“Let us seize this moment to fortify occupational safety and health governance in our country,” he urged.
Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s call for the establishment of a Standing Committee between NLC and NECA, which he said was vital for continuous dialogue, dispute prevention, and conflict resolution. “This mechanism is no longer optional; it is the surest path to enduring industrial peace,” he stressed.
He also condemned efforts by some state governors and legislators to remove labour matters from the Exclusive Legislative List, warning that such moves could disrupt industrial harmony nationwide.
“These misguided attempts reveal a dangerous ignorance of the chaos this would unleash. In moments like this, our unity is our shield,” he cautioned.
In addition, Ajaero highlighted broader societal issues impacting the labour environment, including repression, shrinking civic space, and economic exclusion. He stressed that a thriving civic space is essential for both businesses and workers.
“A vibrant civic space is not a luxury—it is the fertile ground in which both businesses and workers flourish,” he said. “We must act to reclaim Nigeria’s civic space, which is shrinking under the weight of insecurity, repression, and economic exclusion.”
Ajaero concluded by reminding employers that workers are central to business survival and growth.
“Profit without people is an empty pursuit; progress without justice is a fleeting illusion,” he said. “That worker you consider redundant is also the consumer who keeps your enterprise alive.”
He congratulated NECA on its 68th AGM and expressed hope that the deliberations would lead to more productive, fair, and decent workplaces across Nigeria.
ADEOLA KUNLE
