ILO urges issue-based politics, social dialogue ahead of 2027 elections

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for issue-based engagement and stronger social dialogue ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing that economic reforms must be anchored on social justice and the welfare of workers to achieve sustainable national development.

The organisation said Nigeria’s political discourse should prioritise social protection, employment generation, industrialisation and institutional accountability, urging all stakeholders to work together in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.

Speaking at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rain School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the ILO Senior Specialist on Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara, said the working class occupies a strategic position as the country prepares for another democratic transition.

“As Nigeria approaches the pivotal political milestone of 2027, the working class finds itself at a critical historical crossroads,” she said.

She observed that Nigerian workers have continued to bear the impact of ongoing economic reforms, citing inflation, declining purchasing power and the increasing cost of basic necessities as major pressures facing households.

She asserted that sustainable democracy and economic development can only thrive where social justice remains a central consideration in policymaking.

“There can be no sustainable democracy or economic progress without social justice. Economic policies must have a human face, and the wealth of a nation must be reflected in the welfare of the workers whose labour creates that wealth,” Chinyangarara said.

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She encouraged organised labour to complement advocacy with constructive policy engagement, saying the 2027 political process presents an opportunity to advance practical solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.

“As we approach 2027, the political discourse must be driven by issue-based manifestos centred on social protection for all Nigerians, particularly those in vulnerable sectors. We need policies that promote job creation, especially for unemployed young people, as well as policies that drive industrialisation and institutional accountability,” she said.

The ACTRAV specialist reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through its Decent Work Country Programme, noting that the organisation would continue to promote capacity building, institutional strengthening, freedom of association and collective bargaining.

She also underscored the importance of inclusive social dialogue, urging continued engagement among governments, employers and workers in resolving labour-related issues.

“The ILO remains fully committed to capacity building, institutional strengthening and defending the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining. We also continue to urge the Nigerian Government to honour its international commitments and engage in genuine, constructive, intentional and inclusive social dialogue to resolve ongoing and outstanding grievances,” she stated.

Calling for greater national cohesion, Chinyangarara urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of shared national development goals.

“The road to 2027 demands maximum unity. It requires breaking down the artificial barriers of ethnicity, religion and region to forge a united and formidable front of the working class, the youth and the informal economy, leaving no worker and no place behind,” she said.

She encouraged workers to remain hopeful despite current economic challenges, saying organised labour has historically played a vital role in promoting democratic values and social progress.

Earlier, Chinyangarara congratulated the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on receiving the 2026 Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights, describing the recognition as a significant global honour.

She reiterated the ILO’s solidarity with Nigerian workers and its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote decent work, inclusive growth and sustainable development through dialogue and cooperation among all social partners.