Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has urged the leadership of the International Labour Organizations (ILO) for increased support for youth employment and social security in Nigeria.
This is even as she pushed for the engagements for Nigerian professionals at ILO.
Onyejeocha made the call recently when she met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 350th Session of the ILO Governing Body.
The minister, on behalf of the Nigerian Government , congratulated Houngbo as the first African DG of the ILO for after over 100 years of its establishment, assuring him of President Tinubu’s support and cooperation on strategic partnership.
She also commended his achievements, including promoting social justice and fighting inequalities in the world of work.
According to a statement signed by her Media Special Adviser, Emameh Gabriel, she said: “We are seeing your handwork on labour relations, and we are proud of you as the first African DG, after 100 years.
“Nigeria is the second highest African contributor to the ILO budget (next to South Africa), thus the need to be more involved and strategically placed in the ILO.”
She solicited the DG’s support in Nigeria’s quest for re-election into the Governing Board of the ILO as Regular Member for the 2024-2027 Triennium.
She also noted that Nigeria currently contributes the second-highest amount among African nations to the ILO budget, she therefore requested increased collaboration and representation, more technical support for the development of youth employment programs and skills development initiatives.
Additionally, Nigeria requested the ILO’s assistance in upgrading the ILO office in Abuja to a “Decent Work Office” serving English-speaking West Africa.Developing action plans for the implementation of recently ratified ILO Conventions.
In his response, the DG extolled Onyejeocha and Nigerians at the ILO, saying they have made good records of themselves.
He promised that the ILO would continue to provide support for the country.
