General
ILO Lauds Nigeria on Pro-Labour Commitments, Policies
By Adedapo Adesanya
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has commended Nigeria for its unprecedented commitment to tripartism, social dialogue, and decent work, as evident in its policies.
This commendation came from the ILO Director General, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, when he received the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Chris Ngige, at the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland.
In a statement issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment, it was disclosed that the minister was in Geneva to attend his last Governing Body meeting of the ILO before the wrap-up of President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
Mr Ngige presented to the ILO boss with two instruments comprising conventions 1975 (143) on Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention and Convention 1997 (181) on Private Employment Agencies, which Nigeria ratified.
Mr Houngbo, while receiving the conventions, said he noted the renewed passion and commitment that the Nigerian government had given to tripartism, social dialogue and decent work in the past few years.
According to him, this is making it possible to ratify four conventions in a year.
“I recall that Nigeria’s Minister was here in November 2022 to deposit two ratified instruments – Conventions 2006 C (187) on Promotional framework for occupational safety and Health and 2019 C (190) on Violence and Harassment.
“Also, in less than five months, the nation has ratified and deposited two additional conventions. That is quite commendable,” Mr Houngbo said.
The Togolese also noted the contributions of Nigeria’s Minister of Labour to the Governing Body and the Congress since 2016 while describing him as “knowledgeable and industrious”.
“He has been a great voice in the Governing Body, and we will appreciate it if he keeps in touch with the ILO even after his present tenure as Nigeria’s Minister.”
On his part, Mr Ngige, while depositing the ratified Conventions C143 and C181, said they are critical in widening the employment net and decent jobs in the world of work.
He also noted that the conventions would reinforce Nigeria’s capacity and enhance cooperation with other countries in protecting migrant workers through ethical recruitment.
“These conventions will enhance remittance flow and optimise the benefits of organised labour migration in our country.
“It will go further to reinforce our ability to enter into a Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with destination countries who have ratified the same Convention,” Ngige said.
The minister added that the ratification of these conventions was painstakingly put together, passing through the deliberative crucible of stakeholder dialogue as well as the workshop.
He said that this was to properly align them with relevant national laws and policies, including the Labour Act CAP LI, National Policy on Labour Migration, National Employment Policy as well as National Migration Policy.
“In due diligence and legislative scrutiny, we ensured that these two ratified conventions are in tune with the International Labour Migration Division and National Electronic Labour Exchange (ILMD/NELEX) to manage organised labour migration in and out of the country.
“They are also in line with our objectives in establishing Job Centres and Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) to promote employment services and safe migration in Nigeria.
“In November 2022, when I deposited two conventions ratified by Nigeria, I did not hint to the Director General that we had about four others still in the mills.
“I kept it close to the chest that we will soon bring them after ratification. Today, we have two of these ratified instruments, signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari,” the minister added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has received a 32-tonne shipment of rice from Thailand as part of foreign relief to tackle escalating hunger and food insecurity.
The shipment, the first of its kind in a decade, has arrived in Lagos, according to DUCAT, the logistics company that facilitated its delivery.
The rice from Thailand was exported following Nigeria’s decision to implement a tariff moratorium on wheat, corn, rice, and other food crops last year, DUCAT revealed.
Although the duty waiver was introduced, purchases have largely been cautious, driven by concerns about its potentially harmful impact on local producers.
“Nigeria has been working hard to find solutions to broaden and strengthen its food supply accessibility,” DUCAT Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adrian Beciri said in a statement.
Several months ago, Nigeria unveiled a set of measures to combat soaring food inflation, which is rising at its fastest rate in three decades.
According to the last inflation update, food inflation reached 39.93 per cent year-on-year in November from 39.16 per cent the previous month in October 2024, caused by price rises for staples such as rice, maize, bread, potatoes and cooking oil.
Inflation quickened sharply in the second half of 2023 after President Bola Tinubu devalued the Naira and cut petrol and electricity subsidies to try to lift economic growth and shore up public finances.
Inflation has still not let up as it remained at 34 per cent as of November.
Many of the policies have failed to materialise including a 180-day window to allow duty-free imports of wheat, corn, and other critical food crops— a move promised would crash food prices.
A survey of market prices by Business Post indicates that food prices remained elevated during the last Christmas period.
By Dipo Olowookere
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has been impeached by members of the legislative arm of government.
Mr Obasa was removed from office on Monday after a motion for this was moved by one of the lawmakers.
The Assembly has now elected Ms Mojisola Meranda, a member representing Apapa I Constituency, as the new Speaker.
This action is coming amid allegations of fraud against Mr Obasa, who is from the Agege constituency.
It has been speculated that Mr Obasa got into political trouble because of his alleged interest in the governorship position in 2027.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Queen Naomi Silekunola, has been granted bail by an Oyo State High Court.
Justice K. B Olawoyin, presiding over Court 8 sitting at Ring Road on Monday, granted the bail worth N10 million, with two sureties who must submit landed documents within the jurisdiction of the court.
Also granted the bail were an ace broadcaster, Mr Oriyomi Hazmat, and the Principal of Bashorun District’s Islamic High School, Ibadan, Mr Abdulahi Fasasi.
Recall that on December 18, 2024, over 30 children died in a stampede at the school during a Christmas funfair event organised by Ms Naomi.
She reportedly organised the event to give out about N5,000 each to 5,000 children to alleviate the hardship in the ancient city.
However, before the event started, the stampede occurred as parents reportedly stormed the venue with their kids for the money.
The police arrested eight persons, including the ex-wife of Mr Ogunwusi. They were taken to court, which ordered their remand.
This morning, they appeared before Justice Olawoyin for their bail application, which was granted.
The judge said the sureties must submit their international passport with the court, while the defendant must not grant any form of interview during the pendency of the case.
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