ABUJA – Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Gilbert Houngbo has advised developing nations to embrace social dialogue as a means of fostering economic transformation.
Hungbo who came on a familarisation tour to Nigeria, following his election as ILO Director General, said social dialogue was at the core of ensuring the alignment of technological transformation, fair wages and social protection policies for any nation desirous of growth.
The visit to Nigeria afforded Houngbo opportunity to meet with all Labour stakeholders in the country, including the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha among others.
According to him, “Social dialogue must drive human centred economic transformation including technological transformation, ensuring job creation aligns with fair wages, social protection and sustainable practices”
He observed that part of the challenges the world is still grappling with till date, including Africa, is the negative impact of Covid-19, climate change and digitalisation.
“For West Africa, the challenges are acute, with cases of displacements due to conflicts, flood and economic activities.
“Nigeria as the largest economy and population in the region has additional responsibility of managing flood due to climate change and migration.
“As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has a responsibility to lead by example in developing inclusive and sustainable labour practices”, the ILO Director General added.
He, however, acknowledged that there was visible commitment by the Nigerian government to prioritise social justice and fairness in all its dealings with workers and employers.
The ILO Boss, gave assurance to support member states like Nigeria that align with the organization’s core principles.
Welcoming the ILO Director General, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said the visit was a confirmation of a strong and enduring relationship between the ILO and Nigeria.
He assured that the Nigerian government is keen on strengthening its partnership with the organisation, particularly in advancing social protection measures, enhancing occupational safety and health standards, and promoting gender equality in the workplace.
Dingyadi also urged the ILO to look inward and effect democratic reforms within its Governing Body, such that it reflects the diverse social and geographical interests of all continents and constituents including upholding the principles of fairness and equity that the organisation stands for.
“We are honoured to host you, and we look forward to continued partnership in building a just and equitable world of work.
“Today, we stand at a historic juncture. For the first time, the ILO is led by a Director-General of African descent.
“This milestone is a testament to the progress we have made collectively and reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s pivotal role in the global labour landscape”,the Minister said.
On her part, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, highlighted Nigeria’s focus on addressing the challenges of employment, skills development, and workplace rights, in alignment with its priorities and international obligations.
On the entourage of the ILO Director General to the Minister of Labour and Employment was the Country Director of the ILO, Ms Vanessa Phala.
This visit to Nigeria by the ILO Director General, Mr Gilbert Houngbo is the second.
The first time we on the 18th of October 2022, when he came to solicit Nigeria’s support for the highest office in the ILO.
This time, he visits as the substantive Director General of the ILO, the first African to hold the converted Office since the birth of the Organisation over one hundred years ago.