The Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Ms. Vanessa Phala, has called on the Buhari led administration to facilitate the approval of the reviewed National Policy on Labour Migration that has been validated since July, 2021 as well as the quick confirmation of ILO Conventinons 143 and 181 alleging that these conventions are channels for the safety of Nigerian migrant workers and their family members. The Director made this call during the one-day workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment which was focused on the validation of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar(PDOS) training manual and Gender Mainstreaming Strategy(GMS) development for the International Labour Migration Division (ILMD) of the Ministry.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Phala said, “I would also utilise this golden opportunity to draw the attention of the Permanent Secretary to deploy her good office in expediting all relevant next steps required for a formal approval of the revised National Policy on Labour Migration which was validated with support from the ILO within the framework of the FAIRWAY programme over a year ago, including finalising these resources being validated here today in view of a formal launch which the ILO again stands committed to support.
“Recalling that I was honoured to deliver an opening remark at a two-day national sensitisation workshop on the ratification of ILO Conventions 143 and 181, convened by the Ministry in August 2021, we look forward to information regarding the deposition of instruments of ratification of these conventions by the government of Nigeria, seeing that they provide promise for protecting Nigerian migrant workers and their families across the migration cycle. ILO’s global mandate in promoting decent work for all, especially through guidance that facilitates standardised practices, thereby advancing the effectiveness of labour markets, further informs this collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria through which these resources have been developed.”
Speaking in defence of the need to accelerate the approval, Phala said the revised policy will be to the advantage of the nation by increasing her relevance in the discourse of the success of labour migration. Especially in the face of what she called abounding opportunities and evolving global markets.
Responding to her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms Kachollom Daju reported that the government is committed to ensure an orderly migration and a protective system for her migrants; such that they be of advantage, not only for their country, but for their destination countries too. Explaining further, she said as part of the government’s commitment, three Migrant Resource Centres have been opened in Lagos, Abuja and Edo states for the provision of precise and current information, provision of referral services, guidance in labour decision making processes and reintegration processes(for returning migrants). In all, the centres are to provide a smooth sail for all labour migrants.
