ILO Wins Award For Promoting Social Justice And Decent Work In Nigeria

The award recognizes ILO’s success in tackling child labour, forced labour, and discrimination of employment and occupation in Nigeria.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has received a prestigious award at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards 2020, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Wednesday, 26 May 2021.

Receiving the award for “Promoting Social Justice and Decent Work in Nigeria” on behalf of the ILO Country Director, Ms. Vanessa Phala, the National Programme Officer, ILO, Dr. Agatha Kolawole, appreciated NECA for recognizing ILO’s work in the aspect of promoting workers’ rights and social justice in the workplace.

The Director also appreciated the tripartite partnership between the government, employers, and workers, adding that the ILO will keep supporting NECA in ensuring a good working relationship between all three.

Also awarded at the event were Dantata Construction Company and AR Packaging for “Compliance in the Elimination of Child Labour”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Kolawole who is also the National Project Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa Project in Nigeria hinted at plans to engage with Dantata Construction Company and AR Packaging in the elimination of child labour.

Kolawole further commended NECA for its professionalism since the beginning of its partnership with the ILO and advocated for more private sector partnerships in eradicating child labour, and promoting social and economic justice in Nigeria.

Speaking further, the ILO National Programme Officer noted that the organization has supported the Nigerian Government to validate the National Action Plan and Policy for the Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria in order to stamp out the practice.

Kolawole also revealed that the ILO is conducting a National Survey on the Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN, commended NECA for providing the forum for the Federal Government to consult with private sector employers on socio-economic and labour policy issues.

Keyamo added that the forum created by NECA has promoted a harmonious business environment that has engendered productivity and prosperity for Nigeria and its citizens.

Also speaking the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, commended NECA for representing the interest of employers in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

NECA President, Taiwo Adeniyi, said the organization will continue to protect the rights of its members and employers through all legal and legitimate means.