Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) - Nigeria (Ratification: 1960)

Article 1 of the Convention. Information on national laws and policies. The Committee notes with interest the National Policy on Labour Migration 2014, which was developed in consultation with the social partners and other stakeholders, and with the assistance of the ILO and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It notes that the Policy aims to establish an effective, responsive and dynamic labour migration governance system in Nigeria. It notes the overall objectives of the Policy relating to good governance, the protection and welfare of migrant workers, and the promotion of employment and development benefits of migration. Specific objectives of the Policy include, among other things: to enact a legislative framework as a foundation of labour migration governance; ensure a gender responsive policy at all levels; to promote the right to decent work, including social protection; to ensure non-discrimination and equality of all workers, migrants and nationals, abroad and at home; to promote and protect rights of migrant workers in recruitment for employment abroad through supervision and monitoring of recruitment agencies; and to link migration and employment policy and practice. The Committee also notes the detailed action plan for the implementation of the National Policy which includes activities, inter alia, to initiate action to ratify the Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143); to harmonize legislation with international and regional standards; to review guidelines and procedures for recruitment abroad; to establish an Advisory Board on Labour Migration which would include the social partners; to review national law and administrative regulations to ensure that non-discrimination and equality are expressly provided for; and to review national labour law and regulations to ensure that migrant workers are covered. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken and results achieved under the Action Plan to implement the National Policy on Labour Migration 2014.

Articles 2, 4 and 7. Information and assistance services to migrant workers. The Committee notes from the document on the National Policy on Labour Migration 2014, that migrants are often poorly or misinformed about conditions governing entry and work, residence and skills required, as well as their rights and obligations in the countries of destination. The Committee notes that the Action Plan to implement the National Policy on Labour Migration includes activities to conduct awareness raising and pre-departure training programmes for potential migrant workers. The Government also indicates it has established two Migrant Resource Centres in Lagos and Abuja, which provide free information to nationals who intend to migrate and referral services to returning migrants. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the type of services being provided for outgoing and returning migrant workers. Noting that already in 2006, Nigeria counted 600,000 foreigners, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to maintain adequate and free services to assist foreign workers, and to provide them with accurate information.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.