The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the country’s continued poor global standing on workers’ rights, following Nigeria’s inclusion once again among the ten worst countries in the world for labour rights violations.
Describing the ranking as a national embarrassment, the NLC urged employers to lead efforts in reversing the troubling trend.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, raised the alarm during the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), held on Wednesday in Lagos.
Represented by NLC Deputy President and immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adewale Adeyanju, Ajaero said the latest 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index has listed Nigeria among the most notorious violators of labour rights globally.
“This is a stain on our conscience and a legacy none of us should accept. Many of these violations occur within enterprises represented here,” he stated.
Ajaero called on NECA to set the tone by promoting respect for labour laws and embracing collective bargaining principles.
“I urge NECA to lead by example: uphold collective bargaining, respect labour laws, and reaffirm the dignity of the workforce,” he said.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between employers and organised labour, particularly in implementing resolutions reached at the recent 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva.
He noted that such collaboration is vital for regulating the fast-evolving platform economy and ensuring safer workplaces.
“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 added.
Ajaero applauded NECA Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for his willingness to engage in dialogue, describing the spirit of cooperation as essential to achieving industrial harmony.
“His openness to genuine engagement has reaffirmed the truth that we are not adversaries, but partners bound by common purpose,” he said.
He further urged NECA to join the NLC in advocating for the domestication of new International Labour Organisation conventions, including those on Decent Work in the Platform Economy and Biohazards, both aimed at improving workplace protections.
“Let us seize this moment to fortify occupational safety and health governance in our country,” Ajaero urged.
The NLC also renewed its call for the creation of a Standing Committee between it and NECA to facilitate continuous dialogue and effective dispute resolution.
“This mechanism is no longer optional; it is the surest path to enduring industrial peace,” Ajaero declared.
He criticised ongoing moves by some state governors and lawmakers to remove labour from the Exclusive Legislative List, warning that such actions could destabilise Nigeria’s industrial relations framework.
“These misguided attempts reveal a dangerous ignorance of the chaos this would unleash. In moments like this, our unity is our shield,” he cautioned.
Ajaero also expressed concern over broader issues affecting labour, including repression, shrinking civic space, and economic marginalization.
“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.”
Concluding his address, Ajaero reminded employers of the fundamental role workers play in sustaining enterprise and economic 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 inspire more productive, just, and equitable workplaces across Nigeria.
