As part of our commitment to promoting inclusive and youth-led approaches to sustainable development, NGYouthSDGs participated in the ILO Tripartite Panel on the Global Coalition for Social Justice, held at the UN House in Abuja. The high-level convening brought together stakeholders across government, labour unions, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the urgent need for social justice in workplace policies, emphasising collaboration and equity.
The event, attended by NGYouthSDGs communications manager Oloruntobi Adejare, Youth Activators Lab Associates Adeyemi Omolade, and Solomon Leon, brought together policymakers, labour leaders, employers, and civil society for a powerful conversation centred on building a fairer, more inclusive labour system. It served not only as a space for policy reflection but also as a platform for action-oriented dialogue.
Attending the event provided a unique opportunity for NGYouthSDGs to further embed itself at the heart of policy conversations shaping the future of work, equity, and development in Nigeria. Participating alongside government leaders, labour unions, and private sector representatives reinforces our commitment to ensuring young people are not only consulted but are active contributors in dialogues that affect their futures, especially around SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The event which further provided valuable insights into how policies are made, challenged, and implemented and its strong focus on vocational training, digital literacy, and workplace inclusion echoes NGYouthSDGs’ advocacy pillars, affirming our belief that equipping young people with skills, voice, and agency is essential for building a more sustainable and equitable Nigeria.
NGYouthSDGs communications manager, Oloruntobi Adejare, YAL Associates Solomon Leon & Adeyemi Omolade.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Vanessa Phala, Director of ILO CO–Abuja, who underscored the need to make social justice a foundational principle in labour relations. She framed the day’s dialogue around actionable outcomes, strengthening collaboration between governments, employers, and workers. In a keynote address, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, expanded on the essence of social justice, challenging stakeholders to move beyond dialogue toward enforceable policies that guarantee fairness, dignity, and opportunity in the workplace. The DG also noted that more than ever before, it had become essential to invest in digital literacy and vocational training to reduce unemployment among the youth in Nigeria. He also underscored the Organisation’s commitment to disability inclusion, to create a better working environment across all levels.
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, delivering his keynote address.
A Tripartite Dialogue on Labour Realities
A distinguished panel explored multidimensional perspectives on labour rights and justice. Speakers included:
- Mr. Mohammed M. Fall (UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, ASG) highlighted the humanitarian lens in labour systems and the link between social protection and dignity.
- Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi (Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment), who outlined Nigeria’s labour reforms and policy commitments to equitable employment.
- Comrade Joel Akhator Odigie (General Secretary, Trade Union Confederation Africa), who passionately advocated for stronger protection of workers’ rights across the continent.
- Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde (Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA) provided critical insights on the role of employers in co-creating fair labour environments.
- Mr. Joe Ajaero (President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC) addressed urgent concerns such as living wages, job security, and systemic inequalities in Nigeria’s labour ecosystem.
Voices from the Floor
In an engaging open-floor session, participants brought forward pressing issues and reflections, including:
- Implementation Challenges: Concerns about whether progressive policies would be effectively enforced or remain theoretical.
- Workplace Inclusion: A representative from the disability community called for greater accessibility and representation in the workforce.
- Youth & Skills Development: The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) emphasised the need for expanded vocational training and practical skill-building to improve youth employability.
This high-level convening succeeded in sparking important conversations and driving stakeholder engagement on the role of social justice in labour relations. Key outcomes included:
- Increased Awareness: A stronger understanding of the urgent need for rights-based labour systems.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Opportunities for cross-sector dialogue and collaboration between government, employers, and labour unions.
- Policy Insight: Clearer visibility of gaps in implementation and recommendations for improving enforcement and accountability.
Recommendations
- Social justice must be matched with political will and actionable policies.
- Workers, employers, and government institutions must collaborate meaningfully.
- Youth, women, and marginalised groups must be central to the labour equity conversation. Engagement with decision-makers and policymakers is vital to influence systemic change.
Conclusion
The ILO Tripartite Panel on the Global Coalition for Social Justice served as a timely reminder that social justice in the workplace is not just a moral imperative; it is a pathway to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and dignified work for all. Attendees praised the depth and relevance of the discussions, expressing hope that the commitments made during the event would not fade with time. However, there was a consistent call for measurable follow-up, ensuring that policies discussed would lead to tangible improvements in labour conditions.
