By Joan Nwagwu
The Federal Government has called for inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) policies that protect jobs and workers’ rights while harnessing technology to promote economic growth and decent work.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call on Thursday while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference holding in Geneva, Switzerland.
This is contained in a statement issued by Ms Annah Daniel, Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, on Thursday in Abuja.
Dingyadi’s statement was in response to the report of the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Gilbert Houngbo.
The report is titled, “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work.”
Dingyadi commended the leadership of the ILO for its resilience and commitment to advancing the organisation’s mandate in spite of the prevailing global economic, social and technological challenges confronting member states.
He described the theme of the Director-General’s report as timely, noting that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence were reshaping labour markets, employment relationships and workplace practices across the world.
According to him, AI presents significant opportunities for economic expansion, innovation and improved productivity, while also raising concerns about job displacement and widening inequalities in labour markets globally.
“The world is moving forward at a rapid pace, underpinned by advances in AI, and we as an organisation must match that pace.
“While welcoming the positive transformations AI offers, we are also pondering the uncertainties it connotes. The DG’s report has highlighted changes we are aware of and already experiencing.”
The minister said the changes included expanding labour markets and economies, new forms of employment relationships, as well as technological developments driving policy reforms and institutional innovation across countries.
“These shifts, in spite of their benefits, also cast a dark cloud of uncertainty. Where AI creates new jobs, there may be job losses. We therefore need a balanced approach,” he said.
Dingyadi stressed that governments must ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence do not undermine the gains of decent work, social protection and workers’ welfare across societies.
He highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to embrace digital transformation through strategic investments in innovation and technology aimed at strengthening governance, productivity and economic competitiveness.
He said the federal government established the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to drive policies that would accelerate digital development and support national growth objectives.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded progress in automating public service processes and deploying digital technologies to improve service delivery, with artificial intelligence increasingly supporting administrative reforms.
“I am pleased to inform you that Nigeria is steadily harnessing the gains of this initiative in our public service. There is service-wide automation of civil service processes and communication, with AI playing a significant role,” he said.
He added that AI was playing a significant role in public sector reforms, while platform work was gaining prominence and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
The minister welcomed the ongoing discussions within the ILO on decent work in the platform economy, stressing the need for appropriate labour standards to protect workers.
Dingyadi also reiterated Nigeria’s support for reforms aimed at democratising the governance structures of the ILO and ensuring equitable representation for all regions of the world.
He called for continued efforts toward ratification of the 1986 Amendment to the ILO Constitution and a review of criteria determining countries of Chief Industrial Importance.
According to him, such reforms will strengthen inclusivity, transparency and justice within the organisation while reflecting contemporary global realities and aspirations of member states.
The minister urged member countries to align the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Coalition for Social Justice with national priorities to advance decent work.
He emphasised that technological progress should be guided by social justice principles to ensure workers remain at the centre of development and economic transformation worldwide.