By Joan Nwagwu
Abuja – The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promote decent work environment for the country’s workforce, in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) provisions.
Mr William Alo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said this when he received the National Women Commission (NWC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Mrs Mercy Okezi on Tuesday in Abuja.
Alo said that Nigeria has always eschewed all forms of discrimination and negative attitudes in workplace.
He said that Nigeria has adequate laws forestalling such practices, and had always keyed into the ILO’s provisions.
“Nigeria is ready, willing and determined to show more commitment to making the work environment conducive for every Nigerian worker.
“If the work environment is conducive, friendly, accommodating and protective, it brings peace, love and understanding. So, the advocacy is timely, because we need to do more,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also pledged the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting the ILO Convention on ‘Stopping Gender-based Violence and Harassment of Women and Men in the World of Work’.
He said the relationship between an enabling work environment, productivity, and economic growth cannot be over emphasised.
Alo also commended the Nigerian workers, and the NLC in particular for their effort in negotiating for the new National Minimum Wage.
He added that the Nigerian government is determined to ensuring that the average Nigerian worker is happy.
Alo commended the NLC as a credible ally to the Ministry on labour and issues that are geared toward making the workers happy.
Okezie said the visit was to seek support for the adoption of the ILO Convention on ‘Violence and Harassment in the World of Work’.
She appealed to government to adopt the ILO Convention and Recommendation to stop all forms of gender-based violence and harassment of women and men in workplace.(NAN)