The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced deep concern over Nigeria’s declining global standing in workers’ rights, revealing that the country has been ranked among the ten worst nations in the world for labour rights violations. This stark reality has been described by the NLC as a national embarrassment and a wake-up call for all stakeholders.

During the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) held in Lagos on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed disappointment over the findings of the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index. Represented by the Deputy President of the NLC and former President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adewale Adeyanju, Ajaero emphasised that Nigeria’s position among the worst violators highlights critical issues that need immediate attention.

A Call to Action for Employers and Leaders

“This ranking is a stain on our conscience and a legacy that none of us should accept,” Ajaero stated. He urged Nigerian employers to take the lead in reversing this trend by promoting respect for labour laws and embracing the principles of collective bargaining.

Ajaero emphasised the importance of collaboration between employers and organised labour, especially in implementing resolutions from the recent 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. He underscored that declarations alone are insufficient: “We must work side by side to translate commitments into realities that protect workers from the excesses of unregulated technology while harnessing its benefits.”

Fostering Partnership and Strengthening Frameworks

Expressing appreciation for NECA’s openness to dialogue, Ajaero highlighted that cooperation between the two bodies is vital for maintaining industrial peace. He called on NECA to join the NLC in domesticating new International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, including those on Decent Work in the Platform Economy and workplace safety through the Biohazards Convention.

“Let’s seize this moment to reinforce occupational safety and health governance across Nigeria,” he urged.

Furthermore, Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s push for a Standing Committee that would facilitate continuous dialogue, dispute resolution, and conflict prevention between NLC and NECA. “This mechanism is no longer optional; it is the surest path to enduring industrial peace,” he asserted.

Addressing Broader Societal Issues

The labour leader also condemned efforts by certain state governors and lawmakers to remove labour matters from the Exclusive Legislative List, warning that such moves could destabilise Nigeria’s industrial relations. “This reckless attempt shows a dangerous ignorance of the chaos that could ensue,” he warned, urging unity in these challenging times.

Beyond labour concerns, Ajaero highlighted societal issues such as repression, shrinking civic space, and economic exclusion, which threaten the vitality of Nigeria’s workforce. He stressed the need to reclaim and strengthen civic space, which he described as essential for both businesses and workers to thrive.

Concluding his remarks, Ajaero reminded employers that workers are vital to business sustainability and success. “Profit without people is an empty pursuit; progress without justice is fleeting,” he emphasised. “That worker you consider redundant is also your consumer—an integral part of your enterprise’s life cycle.”

On a celebratory note, Ajaero congratulated NECA on its 68th AGM and expressed optimism that the discussions held would lead to meaningful action and positive change for Nigeria’s labour landscape.