The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the strengthening of efforts to defeat fragilities and build resilience and stability towards the promotion of labour safe, orderly and regular as against forced mobility.

In a message to the opening of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) African Trade Union Migration Network (ATUMNET), which took place between May 21st and 23rd in Abuja, Congress President, Joe Ajaero said the NLC supported the continuous building, sharpening, and strengthening the capacity of trade unions and the allies for better engagement and contribution to advancing social justice for all, including migrant workers, with an emphasis on women migrant workers.

NLC noted that it shares in the vision of the ITUC-Africa to bring together its affiliates, Civil Society Organisations and other allies in the African region and beyond to review ATUMNET’s 2024 performance, including stocktaking of the 2024 African Regional Review of the GCM and how to advance the review’s conclusion and follow-up steps and take updates on the 2025 Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) plan.

Ajaero, who was represented by the Head of the International Department of the NLC, Uche Ekwe, lauded the General Secretary of ITIUC-Africa, Joel Odigie for pursuing beneficial partnerships for the betterment of African workers.

He said: “We want to place on record that we appreciate this great move that emphasizes networking and would bring close trade unions and CSOs on the continent and in Asia together. The idea identifies and places a premium on collaboration and cooperation to advance better migration governance.”

He stressed that Congress has resolved to be committed to any effort and all activities that will promote better migration governance.

Ajaero added: “There is no better way to do this than to actively participate and collaborate, as well as strengthen the alliance between workers and other stakeholders in the workplace and society in general in ways to continue to enrich the call for fair migration.”

NLC held that fair migration and responsive governance are veritable ways of taming hazards of migration, poverty and inequality.

He further explained that fair migration ensures that the migrants, their families, businesses, receiving and host economies all benefit.

NLC assured the participants of its commitment, readiness and availability in the struggle for the defence of the collective interests of workers, communities and the future of the continent.