By: Chinedu Echianu
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has warned that Nigeria risks further reputational damage and reduced investment prospects if it fails to address unresolved labour rights violations raised before the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Speaking on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Joel Odigie, said urgent steps must be taken before September to resolve complaints filed by Nigerian trade unions concerning alleged interference in union activities, labour law disputes and industrial relations practices.
Organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), had petitioned the ILO over alleged violations of workers’ rights, including the reported assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero and alleged interference by some state governments in trade union leadership elections in states such as Edo, Rivers and Lagos.
The ILO, in its ruling, urged the Nigerian government and labour unions to sustain dialogue and report progress by September 1, 2026.
Odigie said many of the issues could be resolved quickly if government demonstrates the political will, stressing that interference in union elections undermines trade union independence and industrial democracy.
He insisted that workers must be allowed to freely elect their leaders without external influence.
He warned that failure to implement the ILO’s recommendations could expose Nigeria to further international scrutiny, adding that organised labour across Africa may escalate the matter to bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to him, persistent labour rights concerns could damage Nigeria’s image as an investment destination by portraying the country as one that does not respect industrial democracy.
Odigie also referenced disputes involving the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), calling for the enforcement of existing court rulings and recognition of legitimate leadership structures to resolve the crisis.
He further called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s labour laws, urging collaboration among government, employers and labour representatives to achieve lasting industrial harmony.
The labour leader expressed concern over Nigeria’s limited participation in ILO processes, citing funding constraints affecting both workers’ and government delegates.
He said Nigeria must prioritise active engagement in global labour institutions given its economic size and influence in Africa.
Odigie also urged the Federal Government to settle outstanding financial obligations to the ILO, warning that continued default could weaken Nigeria’s influence within the organisation.
On broader labour issues, he reaffirmed the ILO’s mandate to protect vulnerable workers and ensure non-discrimination in the workplace.
He also condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, linking them to unemployment and economic hardship, and urged African governments to improve welfare and job creation to reduce social tensions.
Responding, the Director of Productivity Measurement and Standards at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Emmanuel Igbinosun, said the Federal Government has taken note of the concerns raised by organised labour and is committed to resolving the issues
