The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has introduced a policy brief aimed at fostering fair recruitment practices, protecting workers, and establishing a structured migration framework. The document was unveiled during a dialogue focused on employer participation in labour migration governance, positioning NECA as a leader in enhancing private-sector involvement in policies related to labour mobility, skills development, and decent work standards.
Stakeholder Praise for the Initiative
At the event, stakeholders commended NECA for transforming complex labour migration policies into an accessible and concise document that serves as a guide for employers, employees, and migrant workers. Eustace James, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Focal Person on Migration, described the initiative as a significant contribution to evidence-based governance of labour migration. He emphasized that policy briefs enable stakeholders who may lack the time to review lengthy documents to grasp key issues and recommendations in a simplified format.
James also highlighted NECA's membership in the Social Partner Advisory Committee for the implementation of the National Policy on Labour Migration Governance and the Technical Working Committee, underscoring its strategic role in shaping labour migration policies in Nigeria.
ILO Commends Timely Intervention
Austin Irame, Employment and Migration Officer at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) country office in Nigeria, noted that NECA's intervention comes at a crucial time, given the increasing movement of workers within and outside Nigeria. He warned that without effective regulations governing labour migration, workers could face exploitation, poor recruitment practices, and unfair working conditions. According to Irame, the policy brief aims to provide clear guidelines on recruitment standards, remuneration, and labour rights for both employers and workers.
Research Insights and Recommendations
Dr. Omolola Olarinde-Olomola, a consultant on the project from Elizade University, Ondo State, explained that the study examined the role of employers' organisations in labour migration governance. It identified NECA as a key institution with strong convening power and cross-sector influence. Unlike many sector-specific associations, NECA operates across multiple industries, giving it a strategic advantage in coordinating stakeholders, advancing policy advocacy, and fostering collaboration among government, employers, and international organisations.
Dr. Olarinde-Olomola noted that the assessment found NECA has made significant progress in policy advocacy, tripartite dialogue, and capacity building, particularly through its involvement in the formulation and implementation of the national labour migration policy. However, challenges were identified, including weak cross-border cooperation, poor compliance monitoring at migration exit points, activities of unregistered recruitment agencies, and limited engagement at regional and international levels.
The report recommended stronger institutional partnerships, improved labour-market data systems, stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, and increased employer participation in migration governance frameworks. It also urged NECA and other employers' organisations to diversify funding sources, strengthen gender-responsive migration policies, and enhance collaboration with workers' organisations and government agencies to better protect migrant workers.
Critical Role of Employers' Organisations
Stakeholders at the event maintained that employers' organisations play a critical role in developing safe, orderly, and rights-based labour migration systems. Such systems should balance enterprise productivity with workers' welfare and uphold fair recruitment standards. The policy brief is seen as a vital tool in achieving these goals.
