By Joan Nwagwu
Nigeria has again called for the full democratisation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to ensure full, equal and democratic participation of the member states in its governance.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, made the appeal in a statement by Mr Charles Akpan, Deputy Director Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Sunday in Abuja.
Ngige made the appeal while presenting a comprehensive report on democratisation of ILO governance during a virtual meeting of the Tripartite Working Group of the ILO Governing Board.
He noted that the long history of democratisation of the ILO featured in the amendment of its constitution in 1986.
He said that there was need for the subsequent call for the ratification of the amendment instrument.
He, however, regretted that the amendments were yet to take effect after more than three decades, since they were initiated.
He added that this was due to reservations by some member states against its ratification.
The minister noted that the Centenary Declaration in 2019 provided another opportunity to revisit the democratisation.
He said that this led to the setting up of a Tripartite Working Group co-chaired by Nigeria and Switzerland.
My delegation commends the Working Group and the cooperation of members for successfully guiding focus discussion and dialogue on its mandate.
The identification and deliberation of major impediments to the ratification by some member states in the constitution is both instructive and commendable.
The outcome of the discussion which enjoyed majority support culminated in the submission of the conference resolution for recommendation to the 109th session of the ILC for adoption.
The unrelenting push for the ratification of the amendments will send a clear signal about our collective resolve to walk the talk in building an inclusive world class assembly for all member states,nhe said.
Ngige also called for the extension of the life span of the Tripartite Working Group to enable it fully achieve its objectives.
He added that Nigeria is optimistic that the expected threshold for entering into force of the instrument of ratification will be achieved with an extension for another 12 months.
The minister also said that Nigeria was happy that six additional countries have adopted the ratification since the centenary declaration in 2019.
We acknowledge the Republic of Moldova, Spain and Somalia for joining the list.
We strongly appeal to the remaining nine countries including members of the chief industrial importance to make our centenary aspiration a reality by registering their ratification,he said.
Ngige expressed Nigerias willingness to cooperate and support member states who have challenges in ratifying the instrument.
He also expressed confidence that the group would make significant progress in getting more members ratify the amendments before the oncoming 343 session of the ILO governing body in November.
We encourage the office to continue its promotional campaign for ratification of the instrument by member states, he added.
It would be recalled that Nigeria had taken the lead in the push for the full democratisation of the ILO during the 331 session of the Governing Board in November 2017.
Africa Ministers also came up with a single agenda of total elimination of the vestiges of colonialism in ILO and nominated Sen. Ngige to lead the charge during the session. (NAN)
Source: NAN News