The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the country’s continued poor performance on the global stage regarding workers’ rights, following Nigeria’s inclusion once again among the 10 worst countries for labour rights violations.
Describing the ranking as a national embarrassment, the NLC urged employers across the country to take the lead in reversing the trend and restoring the dignity of the Nigerian workforce.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made this call during the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), held in Lagos on Wednesday. He was represented by the Deputy President of the NLC and immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adewale Adeyanju.
According to Ajaero, the 2025 International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index once again listed Nigeria among the world’s worst violators of workers’ rights. He urged NECA to set the pace by promoting adherence to labour laws and championing the principles of collective bargaining.
The labour leader also advocated for stronger collaboration between employers and organised labour, particularly in implementing the resolutions adopted at the recent 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. He stressed that such cooperation is key to addressing challenges in the growing platform economy and ensuring improved workplace safety standards.
Ajaero commended NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for fostering open dialogue and emphasised that sustained cooperation between employers and workers is vital for maintaining industrial harmony.
He further urged NECA to partner with the NLC in domesticating new International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, especially those focused on Decent Work in the Platform Economy and the Biohazards Convention, which aim to enhance workplace health and safety protections.
