Organised labour has taken the Federal Government to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), accusing it of widespread violations of workers’ rights, unpaid entitlements, and poor implementation of agreements affecting Nigerian workers.
The complaint, reportedly filed by labour centres and affiliated unions, comes amid rising industrial tensions across sectors, including unresolved wage issues, unpaid allowances, and alleged breaches of collective bargaining agreements.
Labour leaders said the move became necessary after repeated failed negotiations with the government.
They accused authorities of ignoring agreements and worsening the hardship faced by workers through delayed payments and poor welfare conditions.
The unions also criticised what they described as weak enforcement of labour laws and selective implementation of wage agreements across ministries, departments, and agencies.
In a statement referenced by union officials, labour groups warned that “government’s consistent failure to honour signed agreements has left workers with no choice but to seek international intervention.”
They further alleged that “workers are being subjected to unfair treatment, including delayed salaries, unpaid arrears, and disregard for existing labour protections.”
Labour also pointed to broader concerns about Nigeria’s labour environment, including rising insecurity, inflation, and what it called “a systematic erosion of workers’ dignity and rights in both public and private sectors.”
Officials said the petition to the ILO is intended to push for international scrutiny and accountability in Nigeria’s labour practices.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the complaint at the time of filing this report.
Labour leaders say they remain open to dialogue but insist that “meaningful compliance with agreements must precede any return to trust.”
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