The acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abdulrahim Ajibola Ibrahim has disclosed that the ministry is poised to clear off all the backlog of outstanding reports on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) conventions and recommendation by improving the capacity building of officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) relevant to the report writing standard that are acceptable to the ILO supervisory system.
Ibrahim stated this in Abuja today while declaring open a two day workshop on report rendition on the application of ratified ILO conventions.
Addressing the participants, the acting permanent secretary said “the objectives of the workshop is to clear off the backlog of outstanding reports and also to build capacity of officials of participating ministries, Departments and Agencies on report writing by identifying the existing gaps in the reporting system and format with the view to improving their skills, techniques and knowledge in writing standard reports that are acceptable to the ILO supervisory system.”
He emphasized that over the years, several gaps have been identified in the reporting method of the relevant MDA’s that are required to make inputs to Nigeria’s annual reports to ILO and in many cases no responses were received from line ministries and agencies because of inadequate knowledge, techniques and skills, thereby resulting in poor reports with adverse comments by the Committee of Experts on the application of ILO conventions and recommendations.
Ibrahim, urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity to improve themselves by developing their skills, and be equipped with the techniques and operational dynamics in line with international best practices in reporting writing and rendition.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director, Productivity Measurement and Labour Standards, Daniel Neburagho said, that timely and effective implementation or application of international labour standards and prompt reporting on them is recognized as one of the best strategies of strengthening labour administration and promoting decent work in the country. He noted that it is at the front burner of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to promote healthy working conditions for Nigerian workers in line with international labour standards.
Mr. Neburagho added that it is also my belief that if the expectations of this workshop are realized, the ministry will be repositioned positively and the submission of reports will be timely from now on.
The ILO Country Director, Dr. Dennis Zulu who was represented by David Kwabla said that the Organization is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, while pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity. He emphasized that the ILO tripartite structure provides a unique platform for promoting decent work for all women and men.
Dr. Zulu added that the ILO looks forwards to the outcome of this workshop, hoping it will enhance national capacity to comply with standards related obligations and also enhance workers skills throughout the process of labour law reform and application of International Labour Standard in Nigeria. He also affirmed that the ILO stands ready to continue working with the Nigerian tripartite constituents for the realization of the decent work Agenda in the country.
In their separate goodwill messages, the representatives of the NLC, TUC and NECA appreciated the ILO for supporting and championing issues related to workers welfare and pledged their commitment and continued partnership with the ministry
