NECA Urges Government To Uphold ILO Convention 087 For Industrial Harmony

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The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called upon government authorities at all levels to adhere to the provisions outlined in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 087 to preserve a state of peaceful industrial harmony.

NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, conveyed this message in a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, on Sunday.

Mr. Oyerinde noted that recent developments within the industry compelled him to send this letter, as the prevailing situation posed a potential threat to the nation’s industrial relations system and could harm its standing within the international labor community….CONTINUE READING

He expressed concern that certain state governments were intervening in the operations of labor unions. In his words, “As a nation that holds a respected position within the ILO, with Nigeria currently chairing the ILO governing body, it is disconcerting to witness government interference, both at the federal and state levels, violating the provisions of ILO Convention 087.”

Mr. Oyerinde emphasized that this convention ensures the freedom of association and safeguards the rights to organize for both workers and employers, which is also protected by Nigerian law, specifically section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Addressing the labor minister, Mr. Oyerinde said, “Your Excellency, we rely on your experience and goodwill to address this irregularity, which could subject our nation to international scrutiny, disrupt our industrial relations practices, and more.”

In the letter, the NECA Director-General highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigeria Labour Congress, another constituent of the ILO, due to actions taken by certain state governments and their agents.

He underscored that Convention 087, particularly articles 1, 2, 3, and 4, explicitly guarantee the rights of workers and employers to exercise these rights without government interference.

This stance was reaffirmed during the National Labour Advisory Council meeting held from July 12 to 14, 2023, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.