From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Nigeria has called for the adoption of inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) policies that safeguard jobs and workers’ rights while leveraging technology to promote economic growth and decent work.
The call was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Annah Daniel, the minister was responding to the report of the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), titled “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work.”
Dr. Dingyadi commended the leadership of the ILO for its resilience and dedication to advancing the organisation’s mandate despite prevailing global challenges.
He described the theme of the Director-General’s report as timely, noting that rapid advancements in AI are transforming labour markets, employment relationships, and workplace practices worldwide.
While acknowledging the vast opportunities AI offers in driving innovation, productivity, and economic expansion, the minister warned that the technology also poses challenges, including job displacement, widening inequalities, and the gradual erosion of the human role in certain sectors.
“The world is moving forward at a rapid pace, underpinned by advances in AI, and we as an organisation must match that pace. While welcoming the positive transformations AI offers, we are also pondering the uncertainties it connotes,” he said.
According to him, the Director-General’s report highlighted developments already being experienced across countries, including expanding labour markets, changing patterns of work organisation, emerging forms of employment relationships, and technological innovations influencing policy and institutional reforms.
“These shifts, despite their benefits, also cast a dark cloud of uncertainty. Where AI creates new jobs, there may be job losses. Where digital and AI infrastructures are created, there may be a loss of the traditional role and value of the human factor in the work process.
We therefore need a balanced approach that ensures that, while harnessing the benefits of AI, the attendant risks do not rob our societies of the gains of decent work,” Dingyadi stated.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation through strategic investments in technology and innovation.
He noted that the Federal Government established the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to drive policies aimed at accelerating digital development and enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness.
He further disclosed that Nigeria has made significant progress in automating public service processes and deploying digital technologies to improve governance and service delivery, with AI increasingly supporting these reforms.
“I am pleased to inform you that Nigeria is steadily harnessing the gains of this initiative in our public service. There is service-wide automation of civil service processes and communication, with AI playing a significant role. Additionally, platform work is gaining ground,” he said.
Dr. Dingyadi also welcomed ongoing discussions within the ILO on promoting decent work in the platform economy, stressing the need for appropriate labour standards to protect workers engaged in emerging forms of employment.
On institutional reforms within the ILO, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the democratisation of the organisation’s governance structures.
He urged member states to continue efforts toward ratifying the 1986 Amendment to the ILO Constitution and called for a review of the criteria used in determining countries of Chief Industrial Importance to ensure fair and equitable regional representation.
According to him, such reforms would enhance inclusivity, transparency, and justice within the organisation.
He further urged member states to align the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Coalition for Social Justice with national development priorities to ensure that technological advancement promotes social justice, protects workers, and advances decent work for all.
