As part of its efforts to boost international trade relations in Nigeria, the Federal Government has disclosed that it would collaborate with the United States of America, USA, on fair labour practices.
This was made known via a statement issued in Abuja by the Deputy Director, Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowookere.
Olowookere disclosed that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, gave the above assurance when he received the Political Officer in the US Embassy, Marlin Hardinger, in Abuja.
According to him, the Minister noted that the decision by the US to tie her trade relations with Nigeria to fair labour practices was a big boost to the country’s international trade.
“We appreciate the American government for taking this step. It is pleasing to note that you are synergising with the International Labour Organisation to make this workable.
“This is really a big boost to trade not only in Nigeria, but in the entire continent of Africa.
“I have often thought of the workability of trade without productivity and its implication for a developing country like ours. The decision of your government to tie the two is re-awakening and important to us.
“Though trade relations between our two countries have receded following the decision of your country to stop the import of crude from Nigeria, we have a vast agricultural product base which can find ready market in the US.
“It is distressing, however, that even trade in this area is equally on downward swing,” he said.
He said that the primary focus of the Federal Government currently was to give quality life, including gainful employment and infrastructural development, to the people.
“What we are looking for is a Nigeria that is prosperous and stable enough to remain a rallying point in the comity of nations and not necessarily a supper power.
“We will partner with you in this effort,” Ngige said.
The statement said that earlier, Hardinger had said that the purpose of his visit was to encourage, correct and adjust trade efforts across Africa and the US.
He said that the process officially began in 2000 and was renewed in 2015, adding that promoting trade and economic growth was integral to proper running of an economy.
Hardinger said that the objective would be given more momentum at the 2016 Labour Roundtable Conference slated for September in the US.
“This is being done to promote the United States policy under her Africa Growth Opportunity Act [AGOA],” he said.
Also speaking, according to the statement, was ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Dennis Zulu, who said that the proposed September meeting would enrich participating countries on labour laws.
Zulu said that the discussions on trade goals and labour would be beneficial to member-states.
He added that the constraints, which member-states faced in accessing the US market, would also be discussed.
Dr Clement Illoh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said that the theme for the workshop would be centred on relationship between labour, trade and investment, with reference to occupational safety and health.
He said that Nigeria had ratified the eight-core convention in the World of Work.
“This is especially on issues like social labelling, child labour, hazard at work, employments, skill development and certification as to their relationship with trade and investment,” he said.
