The Federal Government has urged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to establish a permanent office in Nigeria to strengthen the “World of Work” initiative.
Clement Illoh, the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the ongoing 104th ILO conference in Geneva, Switzerland, made the call at a plenary session on Wednesday.
According to reports “World of Work” initiative is aimed at creating a decent work environment, to eliminate contract staffing, part-time work as well as employees without borders.
Illoh, who is the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour, said the establishment of such office in the country would further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the ILO.
“Historically, the first African office established by the ILO in Africa was in Nigeria, in Lagos in 1959, a year before our independence.”
“But that office was later moved to Addis Abba in Ethiopia, so Nigeria has developed to a very high level.”
“We find very expedient that another office, multi-dimensional office, heavily staffed of all background should be in that Nigerian office.”
“At the moment, there is an office covering the West African sub-region, but that is not the kind of office Nigeria status deserves.”
“In view of that we are demanding strongly and in view of our contributions and our population that Nigeria should get that office. This is a strong appeal and request from Nigeria.”
He urged the leadership of the ILO to make the request a priority, so that it would come to fruition before the Centenary celebration of the World of Work initiative scheduled to hold in 2019.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari specifically instructed him to make the request, adding that efforts would be intensified to ensure it was realised.
“The benefits of the establishment are multi-dimensional in terms of human capacity, the office will be equipped with all sorts of people from diverse background,” he said.
Illoh said a permanent office for the ILO in the country would facilitate research, programmes implementation and could serve as a nerve centre to coordinate activities of member states.
NAN
