ILO, GIZ, UN strengthen collaboration for decent work, sustainable development in Nigeria

In a concerted effort to enhance employment and decent work outcomes in Nigeria, the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE II) programme of GIZ, is set to host the first in a series of stakeholder dialogues. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10am at the UN House in Abuja, will focus on engaging Non-State Actors in implementing Nigeria’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).

This initiative aligns with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The dialogue seeks to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, including employers, workers, and civil society organisations, in addressing employment-related challenges within the DWCP framework.

Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) are developed with the active participation of national governments, employers’ associations, and workers’ organizations, ensuring country ownership and results-driven implementation. This inaugural dialogue will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the UN’s role in supporting Nigeria’s employment improvement efforts.

At the event, the United Nations (UN reaffirmed its commitment to aligning development efforts with the Nigerian government through the UNSDCF, which has an estimated annual budget of $800 million. Running from 2023 to 2027, the framework ensures that UN initiatives complement Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) while addressing key areas such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, social well-being, and governance.

In her presentation, Ms. Thembebile Dube-Ncube, a representative from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approach, which requires participation from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She revealed that the estimated $800 million annual budget for the framework is sourced through various UN agencies, multilateral donors, and bilateral agreements. With Nigeria’s current NDP set to expire in 2025, discussions are already underway for a successor plan (2026-2030).

Dube-Ncube highlighted that the UN and the Nigerian government periodically review progress through the National Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator. This ensures effective resource utilization and alignment with national priorities.

The funding is expected to support initiatives promoting economic development, climate resilience, gender equality, social cohesion, and governance reforms in Nigeria.

“The reason we do this is to ensure that UN initiatives align with Nigeria’s development needs. We are not imposing our own agenda, but rather supporting the country’s priorities. This cooperation framework complements government efforts and is signed in partnership with the government,” Dube-Ncube stated.

She reiterated that the vision is to “leave no one behind, especially the most vulnerable,” ensuring that all people in Nigeria contribute to and benefit from inclusive, rights-based development that accelerates the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2030.

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