Nigeria, Philippines Deepen Labour Ties To Protect Migrant Workers

The federal government has pledged to deepen labour cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines, safeguard workers’ rights, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, gave the assurance in Abuja yesterday when he received the Philippines secretary for migrant workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and his delegation.

A statement issued by the ministry’s head, information and public affairs, Patience Onuobia noted that Dingyadi welcomed the Philippines’ plan to establish a dedicated labour desk within its embassy in Nigeria, noting that the move would provide better protection for workers while fostering mutual economic and cultural benefits.

“I want to assure you that we are ready to partner with you in this area. Nigeria has a long-standing bilateral relationship with your country in other areas, including economy and socio-cultural exchange. Deepening that relationship will be mutually beneficial to both countries,” the minister said.

He emphasised that closer cooperation would serve the interests of both governments and workers.

Earlier, Cacdac explained that the proposed labour desk would coordinate the affairs of Filipino migrant workers in Nigeria, who currently number around 4,000 and are engaged in critical sectors contributing to both nations’ economies.