The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said it will not relent until child labour is eliminated in Nigeria and the world in general.
The Country Director of ILO, Ms. Vanessa Phala, said this at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Annual Employers’ Excellence Award, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Wednesday, Mat 26, 2021.
Speaking to Naija News after the ILO won an award for promoting social justice and decent work in Nigeria, the National Programme Officer, ILO, Dr. Agatha Kolawole, appreciated NECA for recognising ILO’s work in the aspect of promoting right at work and social justice in the workplace.
She noted that the award also recognised ILO’s success in tackling child labour, forced labour, and discrimination of employment and occupation in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
Dr. Kolawole added that the award is an indication that the ILO is heading in the right direction, adding that no stone will be left unturned in tackling the maltreatment of workers and other labour issues in Nigeria.
She revealed that ILO has tripartite partners which consist of the government, employers, and workers, adding that its support for the partners will continue to promote a good working environment.
On ILO’s relationship with NECA, Dr. Kolawole said the ILO is supporting NECA in ensuring a good working relationship between the employers, employees, and the government.
She commended NECA for its professionalism since the beginning of its partnership with the association in the area of child labour, adding that the collaboration has been productive.
Kolawole disclosed that ILO has an implementation agreement with NECA to reach out to the private sector in tackling child labour, promoting social justice and good work.
She, however, advocated for more private sector partnerships in eradicating child labour, promoting social and economic justice in Nigeria.
Speaking further, the ILO National programme officer said the organisation has strengthened the Nigerian environment in order to eliminate child labour practice in the country.
Kolawole added that the ILO has supported the Nigerian government to validate the National Action plan and policy for the elimination of child labour in the country.
The ILO officer disclosed that the organisation is working with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to conduct a national survey on the elimination of child labour in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, 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, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended NECA for representing the interest of employers in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, said the platform provided by the organisation for private and public sector employers to interact with the state government is commendable.
In his speech, NECA President, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, said the organisation will continue to protect the rights of its members and employers through all legal and legitimate means.
Adeniyi added that NECA will not relent in its effort to ensure that the private sector is enthroned a dependable engine of development of the nation.
The article was originally published on Nigeria News