
The Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige today in Geneva assumed office as the President of the Government Group of the Governing Board of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at its 337 session ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland.
The exalted office which is domiciled at the ILO’s Headquarters was handed over to the minister by Nigeria’s Labour Attaché in Geneva, Mr. Aniefiok Essa who has been the occupant on behalf of the Nigeria Mission since June 2019.
In his address to the Governing Board, Sen. Ngige supported the struggles for the democratization of the ILO Governing Board.
“We are however encouraged that the continuous promotion of this ratification is not only a permanent item on our governing board agenda whose report is expected from the DG, but also an opportunity to constantly remind our members of the unfinished business of democratization of the Governing body of our organization,” he said.
He emphasized that though the ratification of the democratization amendments has been yielding results among members states since it commencement 33 years ago, the organization was yet to reach it zenith as regards the democratization of its structures to ensure equal representation of all regions and equity among member states.
The Minister further asked the Director General to throw more light on the difficulties surrounding the Tripartite Working Group.
Based on these questions with new issues, the Director General adjourned the session while adjusting its timetable to enable his office critically examine and provide adequate answers.