NLC Labels Nigeria’s Poor Labour Rights Ranking a National Disgrace.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly criticised the country’s continued poor performance in global labour rights, describing it as a national disgrace. According to the NLC, Nigeria has again been listed among the top 10 worst countries for workers’ rights violations in the 2025 International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index.

Speaking at the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero represented by the organisation’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju highlighted the need for employers to play a leading role in reversing the country’s negative reputation.

“This ranking is a stain on our collective conscience and should not be accepted,” Ajaero stated, pointing out that many labour rights abuses occur within companies affiliated with NECA.

He called on NECA to set a positive example by honouring labour laws, respecting collective bargaining agreements, and reaffirming the value of the workforce.

Ajaero also advocated for stronger cooperation between employers and labour unions to implement resolutions from the recent 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. He stressed the importance of regulating the rapidly expanding platform economy and improving workplace safety.

“Declarations are not enough we must work together to make these promises a reality, ensuring workers are protected from the dangers of unregulated technologies while enjoying their benefits,” he said.

Ajaero praised NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for fostering constructive dialogue, describing the relationship between employers and workers as a partnership with a shared purpose.

He further encouraged NECA to collaborate with the NLC in adopting new International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, such as those focusing on decent work in the platform economy and biohazards, to improve occupational health and safety in Nigeria.

In addition, Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s call for the formation of a permanent Standing Committee between the NLC and NECA, emphasizing that such a platform is essential for ongoing dialogue, preventing disputes, and resolving conflicts. “This is no longer optional—it is crucial to maintaining lasting industrial harmony,” he added.

He also condemned ongoing moves by some state governors and legislators to transfer labour issues from the federal to the state level, warning that this could seriously disrupt industrial relations across the country. “Such efforts reflect a dangerous misunderstanding and could unleash widespread disorder,” he warned.

Beyond the workplace, Ajaero voiced concern over increasing repression, reduced civic freedoms, and widespread economic exclusion, noting that a vibrant civic space is essential for both businesses and workers to thrive.

He concluded by reminding employers of the critical role that workers play in sustaining businesses and the economy. “Pursuing profit without regard for people is meaningless, and progress without justice cannot last,” he said. “That worker you view as expendable is also the customer that keeps your business running.”

Ajaero congratulated NECA on its 68th AGM and expressed hope that the event would foster more equitable, safe, and productive workplaces throughout Nigeria.