Nigeria, Philippines Move to Strengthen Labour Cooperation

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to deepen labour cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines in a bid to protect workers’ welfare and strengthen bilateral relations.

A statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Patience Onuobia said the Minister, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, made this known when he received the Secretary of Migrant Workers, Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

Dingyadi welcomed the plan by the Philippines to establish a Labour Desk in Nigeria, assuring that the government would provide the needed cooperation to ensure its smooth takeoff.

According to the Minister, the initiative would not only safeguard the interests of workers from both countries but also enhance the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the Philippines.

“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. If we deepen and promote that relationship, it will be mutually beneficial to the two countries,” Dingyadi said.

Earlier, Secretary Cacdac explained that the proposed Labour Desk at the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria would serve as a platform to coordinate the affairs of Filipino migrant workers in the country.

He revealed that there are currently about 4,000 Filipino workers in Nigeria, engaged in critical sectors contributing to the economies of both nations.

The meeting, observers say, is expected to further cement labour ties between the two countries and improve the welfare of migrant workers.