In a recent meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, pressed for increased assistance for youth employment and social security initiatives in Nigeria.
During the 350th session of the ILO Governing Body, Minister Onyejeocha emphasized the importance of Nigerian representation within the international organization.
She congratulated Houngbo for being the first African Director-General in over a century and assured him of President Tinubu’s backing for strategic collaborations.
Highlighting Houngbo’s achievements in promoting social justice and tackling workplace inequalities globally, Minister Onyejeocha commended the ILO’s successful programs in Nigeria, particularly those targeting youth employment—a key priority under President Bola Tinunu’s administration.
Expressing Nigeria’s significant contribution to the ILO budget, the Minister called for increased Nigerian representation within the organization’s workforce, both locally and internationally. She also sought the ILO’s support for Nigeria’s re-election bid to the Governing Board for the 2024-2027 triennium.
Minister Onyejeocha further requested the ILO’s assistance in upgrading its Abuja office, enhancing labor inspection systems, and bolstering capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian officials. She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with the ILO to promote decent work and social justice for all citizens.
In response, Director-General Houngbo praised the contributions of Minister Onyejeocha and Nigerian representatives within the ILO, assuring continued support for Nigeria’s labor relations initiatives. He also commended Nigeria’s commitment to gender diversity in leadership and expressed appreciation for their partnership with the ILO.
