By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to implement the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) on violence and harassment at workplace.
Mrs Roselyn Anarah, NLC National Administrative member made the plea on Monday in Abuja, at a two-day workshop organised by the NLC Women Commission.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Solidarity Centre, a US based international workers’ rights organisation.
Adopted in June 2019, C190 is the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
The Federal Government ratified the convention on Nov. 8, 2022.
Anarah expressed worry over the delay in the implementation of C190 in Nigeria, stressing that since its domestication two years back, not much work had been done.
She said the workshop aimed to map out strategies and to identify stakeholders for the implementation of the convention.
“We want the C190 put to use in our courts. We want to see the judges and lawyers in the court using it as reference and in the dispensation of justice.
“When you talk of harassment in the work place, most victims don’t report such cases, they do not like speaking out because of fear of stigmatization or losing their jobs,’’ she said.
Mrs Hafsat Shuaibu, National Chairperson, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission for the Elimination of Gender Based Violence in Nigeria commended the federal government for the ratification of C190.
“We are very grateful that Nigeria ratified the C190 and it is at the stage implementation.
“Its implementation is, however, overdue as the convention will not only protect workers, but all, including migrants that work in the country,’’ she said.
She hinted that the organised labour was planning to do advocacy visit and awareness to the critical stakeholder, for people to understand the importance of C190.
Ms Vanessa Edhebru, Gender Desk Specialist, Solidarity Centre, said the workshop was designed to discuss strategies, identify relevant stakeholders to engage in C190 implementation.
“I can tell you that over 80 per cent of workers have experienced one form of violence and harassment within the world of work.
She stressed the need for Nigeria to accept C190 as a living law.