The International Labour Organisation has given Nigeria until September 2026 to report on steps taken to address concerns over workers’ rights, trade union freedoms, and compliance with international labour standards.
As reported by Nairametrics, the development was disclosed by the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Nuhu Toro, during a briefing on the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday.
According to Toro, the deadline follows complaints regarding alleged violations of workers’ rights, particularly issues relating to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the implementation of key labour conventions ratified by Nigeria.
He said the ILO had requested Nigeria to provide updates on measures taken to address concerns raised by workers’ organisations over compliance with international labour standards.
“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 conventions relate to workers’ rights to organise, freedom of association, and collective bargaining protections.
Toro described workers’ welfare as a critical issue and expressed optimism that the process would help strengthen labour rights protections across the country.
“From now to September, Nigeria is expected to revert to the ILO on the issues raised,” he added.
He explained that the timeline allows Nigerian authorities and relevant stakeholders to demonstrate progress in addressing concerns raised by labour groups.
Toro also welcomed ongoing efforts to improve gender inclusion within trade unions, noting that the congress has adopted policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in leadership positions.
According to him, offices such as state secretary and vice-chairperson have been reserved for women in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the initiative has helped improve female representation within the labour movement, with women now occupying key positions in several state chapters, including Lagos and the FCT.
Despite the progress, Toro raised concerns about alleged interference by some state governments in trade union activities.
He cited Lagos, Rivers and Edo states as examples where labour leaders were reportedly undermined, calling on governments to respect workers’ rights and uphold freedom of association.
“Governments should respect workers’ rights, uphold freedom of association and allow unions to operate independently in line with international labour standards,” he said.
Toro reaffirmed the commitment of the Trade Union Congress to protecting workers’ interests and ensuring compliance with international labour obligations, expressing confidence that Nigeria would use the period before the deadline to address the concerns raised by the ILO.
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