ILO and its Nigerian Stakeholders Inaugurate Steering Committee on DWCP III Implementation.

With the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) convened a two-day workshop to inaugurate the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) III, 2023-2027. The meeting which held from 10-11 July 2024 at Sawalino Hotel and Suites, Keffi, Nassarawa state brought together key stakeholders from various sectors. The meeting had a dual purpose of inaugurating the steering committee for the implementation of the DWCP III and capacity building of its members.

The ILO constituents in collaboration with other stakeholders, in November 2023, launched the Nigerian DWCP III with the objective of promoting decent work for all. In a bid to actualize the set objectives, the DWCP III recommended the constitution of NSC. According to him, it was in line with the recommendation that the NSC was being inaugurated to ensure effective implementation of the new regime of the DWCP.

While welcoming participants to the meeting, a Director in Employment & Wages Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment, Mr. J.J Akpan, gave an overview of the agenda. According to him, the meeting had two major objectives which included inauguration of the NSC of the DWCP III and capacity building for its members. He recalled that some of the participants were part of the processes leading to the development of the DWCP III which identified three (3) priority areas, namely, Job creation for Women, Men, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Rights at work and Extending Social Protection. He emphasized that one of the successes of implementation has to do with funding capacity, and that informed the setting aside a session of the agenda for group exercise on how to mobilize resources for the implementation of the DWCP III. He further encouraged participants to be active in the group exercises and map out strategies that will be instrumental in achieving full goals of the DWCP III.

In her goodwill remarks, the Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Phala, speaking through Ms. Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, expressed her delight for being part of the DWCP III process. She reminded the participants that the ILO’s role of providing technical and financial support for the formulation of DWCP should not be misconstrued as ILO’s responsibility to drive the implementation of the framework. She urged all stakeholders/actors/sectors to unite in ensuring the success of the DWCP implementation.

The Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) speaking through Paul Femi Samuel said NECA was delighted to part of the process through the stages from formulation to the launch of the DWCP. A representative of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sikiru Waheed commended the FMLE for its continuous progressive actions on promoting decent work in Nigeria. He stated that as social partners, NLC has shared expectations and commitment to ensure successful implementation of DWCP. Comrade Sadane Olatunji of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria conveyed appreciation to the organisers of the meeting, saying that TUC was happy to be part of the process working to ensure decent work and better working conditions for Nigerians.

Mr. John A. Nyamali who represented the Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the ILO Country Director for the unwavering support to the Ministry and reminded all that DWCP proposed the constituting of a NSC to coordinate the implementation. He stated that the aim of NSC was to strengthen the governance mechanism of the DWCP by reviewing progress towards the achievement of expected results of the framework. The NSC with its Secretariate at FMLE has the responsibility of arranging meetings, monitoring and evaluating its implementation.

The Permanent Secretary listed the terms of reference of the NSC which included providing policy and strategic guidance for the DWCP implementation. He enjoined all members to discharge their assignment conscientiously and with utmost sense of commitment and patriotism. He inaugurated the Committee on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and wished it God’s guidance and success through the duration of the assignment.