Geneva (Switzerland) – The Federal Government on Tuesday in Geneva urged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to acknowledge the multi-ethnic and cultural diversities of member-nations in the course of policy formulation and project development.
Ngige made the call while addressing more than 5,000 delegates from the 187 member-states at the ongoing 105th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
He spoke against the backdrop of the various challenges affecting member-nations due to peculiar domestic laws.
“It is pertinent to note that in the race for development, developing countries have peculiar historical and developmental challenges.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need to take cognisance of these characteristics in combating poverty and insecurity.
“Notably, the poor implementation of the ILO Decent Work Agenda in these economies, is no doubt due to this ever increasing phenomenon and largely accounts for their inability to compete in the process of globalisation.
“The ILO, therefore, needs to put these factors into consideration in assessing the responsibilities and opportunities associated with the implementation of the future work initiative.
“`Furthermore, the multi-ethnic and cultural diversities, including different political structures and systems of member-states, should be acknowledged in the development of policies, projects and programmes aimed at addressing the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Ngige blamed the current socio-economic challenges in Nigeria on the inability of past administrations to address the consequences of a mono-product economy heavily dependent on oil revenue.
The minister noted that the theme of the conference, which is “The End of Poverty Initiative: The ILO and the 2030 Agenda”, captured the increasing challenges confronting humanity.
“We, therefore, commend the theme of the conference, mostly in its appreciation and explanation of the current global realities in the world of work and the suggested approaches for a better tomorrow.
“In this vein, the need for the international community to properly situate the objective of the 2030 Agenda aimed at sustainable global development becomes more compelling than ever before.”
He also noted the strategic and pivotal role of the ILO and other UN agencies toward achieving the SDGs.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Labour Council (ILC) sets broad policies of the ILO and meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ILC also known as the annual “World Parliament” of the Labour, brings together more than 5,000 government workers and employer delegates from the ILO’s 187 member-states. (NAN)
