Finally, Nigeria Named a Chronic Violator of Workers’ Rights by Global Organization
By Nigeria Named a Chronic Violator of Workers’ Rights by Global Organization
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has released its 2024 Global Rights Index, identifying Nigeria as a chronic violator of workers’ rights. This report, which includes input from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), places Nigeria among other nations with significant workers’ rights issues such as Costa Rica, Finland, and Saudi Arabia.
According to the NLC, this ranking vindicates their concerns about the Nigerian government’s handling of labor laws and agreements, particularly regarding the national minimum wage negotiations. The government and organized labor have been at an impasse, with the government offering N62,000 while the NLC and TUC demand N252,000 after initially proposing N615,000.
The ITUC’s Global Rights Index is an extensive review of workers’ rights, assessing 151 countries on various indicators derived from International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. It ranks countries on a scale from 1 to 5+ based on their respect for workers’ rights, with Nigeria being one of the countries marked for chronic violations.
The NLC has cited numerous issues in Nigeria, including non-compliance with labor laws, delayed minimum wage implementations, inadequate enforcement of health and safety standards, and repression of labor unions. These systemic failures highlight the urgent need for reforms to protect Nigerian workers’ rights and ensure fair labor practices.
ITUC General Secretary, Luc Triangle, emphasized the importance of protecting workers’ rights to sustain democracy, noting that the decline in these rights is a global issue. The NLC echoed this sentiment, stating that the ITUC’s report should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government and employers to take immediate and decisive action to address these injustices.
The NLC also pointed out that both public and private sector employers contribute to the abuse of workers’ rights through unfair dismissals, non-payment of wages, and exploitation of temporary workers. The lack of adherence to international labor standards not only harms workers but also impacts overall productivity and economic stability.
In response to the report, the NLC called for comprehensive reforms, including better enforcement of labor laws, protection of union rights, compliance with minimum wage laws, and improved workplace conditions. They stressed that these measures are crucial for creating a fair and productive work environment in Nigeria.
The ITUC’s Global Rights Index provides a critical overview of the state of workers’ rights worldwide, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and reform to ensure that workers everywhere are treated with dignity and respect.