The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the country’s continued poor showing in global labour rights assessments, warning that persistent violations reflect negatively on Nigeria’s commitment to fair and just workplace practices.
Speaking at the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero—represented by Deputy President Adewale Adeyanju—cited the 2025 Global Rights Index by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which listed Nigeria among the 10 worst countries for workers’ rights.
Ajaero described the ranking as a stain on the nation’s conscience, noting that many of the reported abuses occurred within companies affiliated with employer organisations like NECA. He called on NECA to take the lead in reversing the trend by prioritising respect for labour laws and collective bargaining agreements.
“This is a stain on our conscience and a legacy none of us should accept,” Ajaero said. “Many of these violations occur within enterprises represented here.”
He appealed to employers to honour their obligations under international and national labour frameworks and urged them to actively support the implementation of resolutions from the recent International Labour Conference held in Geneva. Ajaero stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to regulate emerging sectors, especially the growing platform economy, and to strengthen workplace safety.
“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 said.
Commending NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, Ajaero said such cooperation was key to fostering stable industrial relations. He proposed the establishment of a joint standing committee between the NLC and NECA to facilitate continuous dialogue and preempt conflicts.
“This mechanism is no longer optional; it is the surest path to enduring industrial peace,” he noted.
Ajaero also criticised recent moves by some governors and lawmakers to transfer labour issues from the Exclusive Legislative List to state control, warning that such steps could destabilise industrial harmony nationwide.
“These misguided attempts reveal a dangerous ignorance of the chaos this would unleash,” he said. “In moments like this, our unity is our shield.”
In his address, Ajaero called attention to broader challenges affecting the labour landscape, including repression, insecurity, and diminishing civic space. He argued that a robust civic environment is vital for both business and labour to thrive.
“A vibrant civic space is not a luxury—it is the fertile ground in which both businesses and workers flourish,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Ajaero reminded employers of the essential role of workers in business continuity and warned against a solely profit-driven approach to management.
“Profit without people is an empty pursuit; progress without justice is a fleeting illusion,” he said.
He congratulated NECA on the successful hosting of its 68th AGM and expressed optimism that deliberations at the meeting would contribute to building more equitable and productive workplaces across the country.
