The Federal Government has teamed up with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to address the challenges of irregular migration and to put a stop to exploitation of migrant workers.
The NLC, in collaboration with the International Trade Union Confederation, (ITUC), unveiled a web-based platform to enhance trade union contributions towards better management of migration in Nigeria.
The web platform is anchored on the ILO general principles and operational guidelines for migrant fair recruitment to eradicate among others, the exploitation of migrant workers.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige commended the NLC and the ITUC for developing the web platform.
Ngige, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, said: “It is our firm belief that the platform would further support the government’s efforts in this area to reduce incidences of irregular migration and, if possible, eliminate it.”
He stated that the work world was changing and that labour mobility had become a part of a more dynamic and globally connected world.
The minister said: “In this setting, Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) play a crucial role in giving job seekers a starting point for employment and balancing global labour supply and demand. In recognition of this fact, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been implementing the Recruiters’ License Scheme to regulate the activities of Private Employment Agencies to prevent abusive and unfair labour practices.
“Guided by the ILO’s General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment, we sincerely hope this worker union initiative will further strengthen the government’s ongoing efforts through enhanced collaboration with our social partners. It is pertinent to mention that promoting opportunities for all women and men to engage in labour migration for decent and productive employment in conditions of freedom, dignity, security, and equity is one of the priority areas of focus of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.”
NLC General Secretary Comrade Emma Ugbaja said: “As you know, migration is Human Rights and is historical, even today many people are on the move South-North, North-South, North-North and all around the globe. However, it is not without challenges, more so, these challenges are becoming more and more and making mobility more difficult.