At the ongoing 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, affirmed that the Tinubu administration is laying a firm foundation for a more equitable, inclusive society — one that aligns with global ideals of social justice, decent work, and sustainable development.
Responding to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General’s report titled “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection,” Dingyadi stated that Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a fair global transition, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of inclusive economic growth, labour equity, and democratic governance.
“Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition and acknowledges that sustainable development hinges on inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust democratic institutions,” Dingyadi declared.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serves as Nigeria’s roadmap to long-term social and economic transformation. According to him, the agenda is strategically aligned with the ILO’s objectives and focuses on broad national priorities — including job creation, inclusiveness, poverty reduction, food security, capital access, and anti-corruption reforms.
“These priorities aim at building a more just and equitable society while laying a springboard for international integration,” he added.
In a landmark move, Dingyadi announced that Nigeria has joined the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening its domestic labour standards and reinforcing its international reputation.
“We are proud to align with the ILO in advancing social protection, workplace dignity, and fair economic participation,” the minister said.
He cited the recent approval of a new National Minimum Wage in July 2024 — achieved through collaborative negotiation with organised labour — as a tangible milestone of progress. Additionally, the National Employment Policy has been reviewed to promote decent job opportunities and ensure fair labour practices across all sectors.
Dr Dingyadi also used the platform to call for increased international cooperation to tackle cross-cutting global challenges such as rising inequality, climate change, technological disruptions, insecurity, and governance instability.
He emphasised that no country can confront these challenges alone and urged the ILO to support member countries like Nigeria in building adaptive and inclusive labour ecosystems.
The 113th ILC comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy, reduce youth unemployment, and modernise labour regulations. Analysts have credited the Tinubu administration with taking bolder steps to address decades-old structural labour issues, including wage stagnation and social exclusion.
President Tinubu’s policy thrust — which prioritises inclusive economic growth and human capital development — is seen as a pivot away from growth-at-all-cost models to people-centred development strategies. The Labour Minister’s speech further solidifies the administration’s desire to align domestic reforms with international labour standards.
Labour and policy experts suggest that Nigeria’s participation in the ILO’s social justice coalition could improve investor confidence, enhance trade partnerships, and support Nigeria’s bid for a more prominent voice in global labour negotiations.
As Nigeria continues its reform path under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how Tinubu’s policies translate into tangible improvements in job quality, social welfare, and inclusive prosperity.