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Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Nigeria (RATIFICATION: 1961)

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Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes that the attachments mentioned in the Government’s report have not been provided. The Committee recalls the Government’s previous indication that the revised National Employment Policy (NEP), adopted on 19 July 2017, provides for the establishment of at least two community employment centres (CECs) in all local government areas in the country, which are intended to provide a full range of employment services to jobseekers in both rural and urban areas, including training, referrals, career counselling and information on job vacancies. In this context, the Committee notes the Government’s clarification that there are 774 local government areas in the country rather than 744, as previously reported. The Government also indicates that the labour offices in the country’s 36 states (including in the Federal Capital Territory) each have a section that serves as a public employment centre. The Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government provide specific updated information on the nature, scope and impact of measures taken or envisaged to implement the provisions of theNational Employment Policy (NEP) with respect to the structure and functioning of the employment service. It also once again requests the Government to provide statistical information disaggregated by age and sex, on the number and location of public employment offices that have been established and are in operation, the number of new staff recruited for these offices, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Governmentindicate the manner in which the employment service, in cooperation with the other public and private bodies concerned, ensures the best possible organization of the labour market with a view to the achievement and maintenance of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that a National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) has been inaugurated, and that issues related to Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention will be discussed at the NLAC’s meetings. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the procedures adopted for the appointment of workers’ and employers’ representatives to theNational Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), as well as on the consultations held within the NLAC regarding the organization and operation of the employment service. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether and to what extent measures have been taken to establish committees at the regional or local level as contemplated in Article 4(2) of the Convention.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Committee had previously noted that some of the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries in place had been upgraded to model job centres. Noting that the Government has not provided information in response to its previous comments, the Committee reiterates its request that it provide updated detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the impact of the reorganization and restructuring of the employment service under the National Employment Policy (NEP), as well as up-to-date information on the operation of the job centres and their contribution towards meeting the needs of workers and employers, especially in regions with high levels of unemployment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information in relation to the operation of the job centres in all 774 local government areas, including the number and location of community employment centres (CECs), the number and distribution of staff, the training provided to them, and the impact of their activities in ensuring the best possible organization of the national labour market. In addition, the Government is requested to provide information on any additional measures taken or envisaged to respond to the needs of workers and employers throughout the country, particularly in those regions of the country with high levels of unemployment.

Article 7. Particular categories of jobseekers. The Committee had previously noted the provisions in sections 4.7.3 and 4.7.4 of the NEP, which called for the Government to develop and implement a range of measures to ensure the increased participation of women and young persons in the workforce and the full employability of persons with disabilities. In this context, the Committee welcomes the adoption in 2018 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, as envisaged under section 4.7.4 of the NEP. It notes that the Act prohibits discrimination on the ground of disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance (section 1(1) of the Act), and provides that a person with a disability has the right to work on an equal basis with others, including the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in an open labour market and work environment (section 28(1)). The Act also establishes the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, whose powers include the establishment and promotion of inclusive school, vocational and rehabilitation centres for the development of persons with disabilities, as well as receiving complaints made by persons with disabilities with respect to the violation of their rights (section 37(j) and (n)). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition)Act, 2018 on access to employment services, as well as any other measures adopted or envisaged to promote the employment of persons with disabilities on the labour market. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the nature, scope and impact of measures taken to promote women’s employment, including in the framework of the self-employment promotion programmes for women mentorship and the gender-specific career counselling services.

Article 8. Employment of young persons. With respect to measures taken to promote youth employment, the Government reports that section 1(2) of the Finance Act of 2020 establishes an exemption from the payment of the tertiary education tax for small companies with a turnover of up to 25 million naira (approximately US$58,100), with the aim of encouraging youth entrepreneurship. It further indicates that the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) provides a sustainable pool of resources through which young people can access capital support for their businesses. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan 2021-2024 (NIYEAP), developed with the support of the Office, and which is centred around four priority areas of intervention: employability, entrepreneurship, employment and equality of opportunity. It also notes that the NIYEAP is informed by the ILO Call for Action on Youth Employment and aligned with the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth. The NIYEAP’s strategic lines of action in relation to employment include strengthening online and offline career information, counselling and guidance services, promoting availability of accurate up-to-date information on jobseekers and vacancies and increasing the capacity of resource and service centres. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the measures taken by the employment services to assist young persons in securing lasting employment and decent work. The Committee further requests the Government to communicate information in relation to vocational guidance, education and training and employment placement services or other relevant services offered by the public employment service with a view to enabling young persons to acquire the necessary skills to enable them to access opportunities for sustainable, decent and freely chosen employment. It reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the specific services and activities provided by the employment service with a view to achieving the objectives set out in section 4.7.1 of the National Employment Policy (NEP), namely generating employment opportunities and promoting skills acquisition for young persons.

Article 10. Measures to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide information responding to its previous comments on this point. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged by the employment service in collaboration with the social partners to encourage the full use of employment service facilities, including specific examples of activities carried out to reach out to employed and unemployed persons throughout the country.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit. The Government reports that there is effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies (PEAs). In this respect, it indicates that: (i) annual national workshops are organized for PEAs, in collaboration with the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN), on the topics of labour administration, decent work, labour market information and challenges faced by PEAs in the field; (ii) stakeholder meetings are organized with the aim of encouraging exchanges of ideas; (iii) the Ministry monitors PEAs on a yearly basis; and (iv) the HuCaPAN occasionally donates working materials to support the private employment services. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing up-to-date information on the measures adopted or envisaged to promote and maintain cooperation between the public employment service and PEAs not conducted with a view to profit, including with respect to the content and outcome of the annual national workshops held between the public employment service and PEAs.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the revised National Employment Policy (NEP) on 19 July 2017, which provides for a range of improvements to the employment service system. In particular, the Committee welcomes section 4.7.6 of the NEP, in which the Government undertakes to improve the collection, processing and analysis of employment statistics and other labour market information for purposes, inter alia, of improved employment and social development planning, and with the objective of establishing and maintaining functional and timely information regarding job vacancies, sectoral changes, geographical imbalances and other labour and income trends. The Committee further notes that, pursuant to section 4.7.7 of the NEP, the Government, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), is to establish a minimum of two community employment centres (CECs) in all 744 local government areas in the country. The CECs are to provide a full range of employment services to jobseekers in rural and urban communities in the country, including training, referrals, career counselling and information on job vacancies. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the provisions of the NEP and its accompanying employment matrix, relating to the structure and functioning of the employment service. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by age and sex, on the number and location of public employment offices, including the CECs established in the different areas of the country, the number of new staff recruited, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which the employment service, in collaboration with other public and private bodies concerned, ensures the best possible organization of the labour market with a view to the achievement and maintenance of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the social partners, along with other stakeholders, participated in the review and validation of the revised NEP and its accompanying implementation matrix prior to its adoption by the Federal Executive Council in July 2017. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to give effect to the provisions of Article 4, which requires arrangements to be made through one or more national advisory committees – and where necessary regional and local committees – for the cooperation of the social partners in the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of related policy. In this context, and referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the employment exchanges and professional and executive registries, as well as on the development and implementation of employment service policies and programmes.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government reports that some of the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries in Nigeria have been upgraded to model job centres. It adds that the services provided by the exchanges have been upgraded and their facilities computerized, enabling them to replace manual registration of jobseekers with an electronic platform linked to the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX), enabling jobseekers and employers to meet online and access employment services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including statistical information on the impact of reorganization and restructuring of the employment services under the revised NEP. The Committee further requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the operation of the job centres and their contribution towards meeting the needs of employers and workers, particularly in those regions of the country with high levels of unemployment. The Government is also requested to provide updated information in its next report on progress made regarding the establishment of CECs in all 744 local government areas of the country, as called for under the NEP, as well as on other measures taken or envisaged to respond to the needs of employers and workers in all geographical regions of the country.

Article 7. Particular categories of jobseekers. The Committee welcomes the provisions in sections 4.7.3 and 4.7.4 in the revised NEP, in which the Government undertakes to develop and implement a range of measures to ensure the greater participation of women in the workforce and the full employability of persons with disabilities, respectively. In respect of the employment of women, the Committee notes that the federal and state Governments are to develop self-employment promotion programmes for women, especially in rural communities, and the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, together with related state ministries and local government councils, shall establish mentorship programmes and gender-specific career counselling in the 744 local government areas (NEP, section 4.7.3). In relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, section 4.7.4 of the NEP provides, inter alia, that the Government will facilitate the passage of a draft law on persons with disabilities and establish vocational rehabilitation centres to develop and enhance the skills and potential of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide comprehensive updated information on measures taken to promote women’s employment, particularly in rural communities, including information on the mentorship and gender-specific career counselling services provided in the local government areas, specifying the involvement of the employment service in this respect. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information on measures taken or envisaged to give full effect to the provisions of section 7.7.4 of the NEP, including providing a copy of the law on persons with disabilities once it is adopted. The Committee recalls that the Government may avail itself of technical assistance with regard to the achievement of these objectives.

Article 8. Employment of young persons. The Committee notes the focus in section 4.7.1 of the NEP on job creation for young persons, particularly in the agricultural sector. In particular, the Government contemplates providing temporary employment for 500,000 graduates annually in the areas of education, agriculture, health and taxes. Referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the measures taken by the employment service to assist young persons in securing suitable employment, as well as information on the impact of measures taken by the National Directorate of Employment and the National Poverty Eradication Programme in this respect. The Government is also requested to provide information on the specific measures taken to implement the provisions of the NEP on youth entrepreneurship – including training and facilitating access to credit, insurance and other financial services – and skills acquisition for unemployed youth. It further requests the Government to provide information on the specific services and activities offered by the employment service in relation to the achievement of the objectives set out in section 4.7.1 of the NEP of generating employment opportunities and promoting skills acquisition for young persons.

Article 10. Measures to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that private employment agencies (PEAs) are encouraged to advertise all job vacancies on the NELEX platform. In addition, it envisages taking steps to raise public awareness of the activities of the employment exchanges and the NELEX platform. The Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged by the employment services, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government is requested to provide specific examples of activities conducted to reach out to the local workforce in various geographical regions of the country.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit. The Committee notes the provisions of the NEP concerning the regulation of the activities of PEAs operating in the country. In particular, the Government, through the FMLE, undertakes to ensure adequate protection for the workers placed by such agencies. The Government reports that annual capacity-building workshops carried out with PEAs have strengthened existing cooperation between the employment service and PEAs. It adds that the workshops have resulted in improved compliance by PEAs with statutory provisions and have raised their awareness of decent work principles. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and PEAs not conducted with a view to profit, including information on the content and outcome of the annual capacity building workshops for such agencies.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the revised National Employment Policy (NEP) on 19 July 2017, which provides for a range of improvements to the employment service system. In particular, the Committee welcomes section 4.7.6 of the NEP, in which the Government undertakes to improve the collection, processing and analysis of employment statistics and other labour market information for purposes, inter alia, of improved employment and social development planning, and with the objective of establishing and maintaining functional and timely information regarding job vacancies, sectoral changes, geographical imbalances and other labour and income trends. The Committee further notes that, pursuant to section 4.7.7 of the NEP, the Government, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), is to establish a minimum of two community employment centres (CECs) in all 744 local government areas in the country. The CECs are to provide a full range of employment services to jobseekers in rural and urban communities in the country, including training, referrals, career counselling and information on job vacancies. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the provisions of the NEP and its accompanying employment matrix, relating to the structure and functioning of the employment service. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by age and sex, on the number and location of public employment offices, including the CECs established in the different areas of the country, the number of new staff recruited, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which the employment service, in collaboration with other public and private bodies concerned, ensures the best possible organization of the labour market with a view to the achievement and maintenance of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the social partners, along with other stakeholders, participated in the review and validation of the revised NEP and its accompanying implementation matrix prior to its adoption by the Federal Executive Council in July 2017. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to give effect to the provisions of Article 4, which requires arrangements to be made through one or more national advisory committees – and where necessary regional and local committees – for the cooperation of the social partners in the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of related policy. In this context, and referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the employment exchanges and professional and executive registries, as well as on the development and implementation of employment service policies and programmes.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government reports that some of the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries in Nigeria have been upgraded to model job centres. It adds that the services provided by the exchanges have been upgraded and their facilities computerized, enabling them to replace manual registration of jobseekers with an electronic platform linked to the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX), enabling jobseekers and employers to meet online and access employment services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including statistical information on the impact of reorganization and restructuring of the employment services under the revised NEP. The Committee further requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the operation of the job centres and their contribution towards meeting the needs of employers and workers, particularly in those regions of the country with high levels of unemployment. The Government is also requested to provide updated information in its next report on progress made regarding the establishment of CECs in all 744 local government areas of the country, as called for under the NEP, as well as on other measures taken or envisaged to respond to the needs of employers and workers in all geographical regions of the country.

Article 7. Particular categories of jobseekers. The Committee welcomes the provisions in sections 4.7.3 and 4.7.4 in the revised NEP, in which the Government undertakes to develop and implement a range of measures to ensure the greater participation of women in the workforce and the full employability of persons with disabilities, respectively. In respect of the employment of women, the Committee notes that the federal and state Governments are to develop self-employment promotion programmes for women, especially in rural communities, and the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, together with related state ministries and local government councils, shall establish mentorship programmes and gender-specific career counselling in the 744 local government areas (NEP, section 4.7.3). In relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, section 4.7.4 of the NEP provides, inter alia, that the Government will facilitate the passage of a draft law on persons with disabilities and establish vocational rehabilitation centres to develop and enhance the skills and potential of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide comprehensive updated information on measures taken to promote women’s employment, particularly in rural communities, including information on the mentorship and gender-specific career counselling services provided in the local government areas, specifying the involvement of the employment service in this respect. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information on measures taken or envisaged to give full effect to the provisions of section 7.7.4 of the NEP, including providing a copy of the law on persons with disabilities once it is adopted. The Committee recalls that the Government may avail itself of technical assistance with regard to the achievement of these objectives.

Article 8. Employment of young persons. The Committee notes the focus in section 4.7.1 of the NEP on job creation for young persons, particularly in the agricultural sector. In particular, the Government contemplates providing temporary employment for 500,000 graduates annually in the areas of education, agriculture, health and taxes. Referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the measures taken by the employment service to assist young persons in securing suitable employment, as well as information on the impact of measures taken by the National Directorate of Employment and the National Poverty Eradication Programme in this respect. The Government is also requested to provide information on the specific measures taken to implement the provisions of the NEP on youth entrepreneurship – including training and facilitating access to credit, insurance and other financial services – and skills acquisition for unemployed youth. It further requests the Government to provide information on the specific services and activities offered by the employment service in relation to the achievement of the objectives set out in section 4.7.1 of the NEP of generating employment opportunities and promoting skills acquisition for young persons.

Article 10. Measures to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that private employment agencies (PEAs) are encouraged to advertise all job vacancies on the NELEX platform. In addition, it envisages taking steps to raise public awareness of the activities of the employment exchanges and the NELEX platform. The Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged by the employment services, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government is requested to provide specific examples of activities conducted to reach out to the local workforce in various geographical regions of the country.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit. The Committee notes the provisions of the NEP concerning the regulation of the activities of PEAs operating in the country. In particular, the Government, through the FMLE, undertakes to ensure adequate protection for the workers placed by such agencies. The Government reports that annual capacity-building workshops carried out with PEAs have strengthened existing cooperation between the employment service and PEAs. It adds that the workshops have resulted in improved compliance by PEAs with statutory provisions and have raised their awareness of decent work principles. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and PEAs not conducted with a view to profit, including information on the content and outcome of the annual capacity building workshops for such agencies.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the revised National Employment Policy (NEP) on 19 July 2017, which provides for a range of improvements to the employment service system. In particular, the Committee welcomes section 4.7.6 of the NEP, in which the Government undertakes to improve the collection, processing and analysis of employment statistics and other labour market information for purposes, inter alia, of improved employment and social development planning, and with the objective of establishing and maintaining functional and timely information regarding job vacancies, sectoral changes, geographical imbalances and other labour and income trends. The Committee further notes that, pursuant to section 4.7.7 of the NEP, the Government, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), is to establish a minimum of two community employment centres (CECs) in all 744 local government areas in the country. The CECs are to provide a full range of employment services to jobseekers in rural and urban communities in the country, including training, referrals, career counselling and information on job vacancies. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the provisions of the NEP and its accompanying employment matrix, relating to the structure and functioning of the employment service. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by age and sex, on the number and location of public employment offices, including the CECs established in the different areas of the country, the number of new staff recruited, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which the employment service, in collaboration with other public and private bodies concerned, ensures the best possible organization of the labour market with a view to the achievement and maintenance of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the social partners, along with other stakeholders, participated in the review and validation of the revised NEP and its accompanying implementation matrix prior to its adoption by the Federal Executive Council in July 2017. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to give effect to the provisions of Article 4, which requires arrangements to be made through one or more national advisory committees – and where necessary regional and local committees – for the cooperation of the social partners in the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of related policy. In this context, and referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the employment exchanges and professional and executive registries, as well as on the development and implementation of employment service policies and programmes.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government reports that some of the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries in Nigeria have been upgraded to model job centres. It adds that the services provided by the exchanges have been upgraded and their facilities computerized, enabling them to replace manual registration of jobseekers with an electronic platform linked to the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX), enabling jobseekers and employers to meet online and access employment services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including statistical information on the impact of reorganization and restructuring of the employment services under the revised NEP. The Committee further requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the operation of the job centres and their contribution towards meeting the needs of employers and workers, particularly in those regions of the country with high levels of unemployment. The Government is also requested to provide updated information in its next report on progress made regarding the establishment of CECs in all 744 local government areas of the country, as called for under the NEP, as well as on other measures taken or envisaged to respond to the needs of employers and workers in all geographical regions of the country.

Article 7. Particular categories of jobseekers. The Committee welcomes the provisions in sections 4.7.3 and 4.7.4 in the revised NEP, in which the Government undertakes to develop and implement a range of measures to ensure the greater participation of women in the workforce and the full employability of persons with disabilities, respectively. In respect of the employment of women, the Committee notes that the federal and state Governments are to develop self-employment promotion programmes for women, especially in rural communities, and the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, together with related state ministries and local government councils, shall establish mentorship programmes and gender-specific career counselling in the 744 local government areas (NEP, section 4.7.3). In relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, section 4.7.4 of the NEP provides, inter alia, that the Government will facilitate the passage of a draft law on persons with disabilities and establish vocational rehabilitation centres to develop and enhance the skills and potential of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide comprehensive updated information on measures taken to promote women’s employment, particularly in rural communities, including information on the mentorship and gender-specific career counselling services provided in the local government areas, specifying the involvement of the employment service in this respect. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information on measures taken or envisaged to give full effect to the provisions of section 7.7.4 of the NEP, including providing a copy of the law on persons with disabilities once it is adopted. The Committee recalls that the Government may avail itself of technical assistance with regard to the achievement of these objectives.

Article 8. Employment of young persons. The Committee notes the focus in section 4.7.1 of the NEP on job creation for young persons, particularly in the agricultural sector. In particular, the Government contemplates providing temporary employment for 500,000 graduates annually in the areas of education, agriculture, health and taxes. Referring once again to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the measures taken by the employment service to assist young persons in securing suitable employment, as well as information on the impact of measures taken by the National Directorate of Employment and the National Poverty Eradication Programme in this respect. The Government is also requested to provide information on the specific measures taken to implement the provisions of the NEP on youth entrepreneurship – including training and facilitating access to credit, insurance and other financial services – and skills acquisition for unemployed youth. It further requests the Government to provide information on the specific services and activities offered by the employment service in relation to the achievement of the objectives set out in section 4.7.1 of the NEP of generating employment opportunities and promoting skills acquisition for young persons.

Article 10. Measures to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that private employment agencies (PEAs) are encouraged to advertise all job vacancies on the NELEX platform. In addition, it envisages taking steps to raise public awareness of the activities of the employment exchanges and the NELEX platform. The Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged by the employment services, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities. The Government is requested to provide specific examples of activities conducted to reach out to the local workforce in various geographical regions of the country.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit. The Committee notes the provisions of the NEP concerning the regulation of the activities of PEAs operating in the country. In particular, the Government, through the FMLE, undertakes to ensure adequate protection for the workers placed by such agencies. The Government reports that annual capacity-building workshops carried out with PEAs have strengthened existing cooperation between the employment service and PEAs. It adds that the workshops have resulted in improved compliance by PEAs with statutory provisions and have raised their awareness of decent work principles. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and PEAs not conducted with a view to profit, including information on the content and outcome of the annual capacity building workshops for such agencies.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure that sufficient employment offices are established to meet the specific needs of employers and jobseekers in each of the geographical areas of the country. The Committee also invited the Government to provide information on the National Employment Policy (NEP) and other measures taken to build institutions for the realization of full employment. It also encouraged the Government and the social partners to consider the possibility of ratifying the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), a significant governance instrument. The Government indicates in its report that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has a network of 45 employment exchanges and 17 professional and executive registries that are strategically located in city centres where jobseekers can easily access employment services. It adds that district labour offices are also located in states with a high concentration of industries. According to the Bulletin of Labour Statistics, in 2014 there were 2,254 jobseekers registered with employment exchanges, with 829 vacancies notified and 916 individuals placed in employment. The Government indicates that the final draft of the NEP endorsed by the Government in 2002 has been validated by the social partners and is pending approval by the federal Government. The Committee requests the Government to communicate information on the current status of the National Employment Policy and to transmit a copy as soon as it is adopted. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and scope of the activities carried out by the employment service to ensure the best possible organization of the labour market, as required by Article 1 of the Convention. The Government is also requested to provide statistical information on the number and location of employment exchanges and professional and executive registries established, the number of applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices.

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries and the development of employment service policies and programmes.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the employment exchanges and the professional and executive registries perform a range of functions free of charge. These include: the registration of jobseekers and their placement in employment; provision of vocational career guidance and counselling; collection of labour market information from employers and their dissemination of this information to the public; collection and analysis of employment and unemployment statistics for economic planning purposes; and provision of guidance and counselling for potential young school-leavers. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the organization and activities of the employment exchanges, professional and executive registries and any other services engaged in giving effect to the Convention, such as the district labour offices and the manner in which they ensure the effective placement of jobseekers.

Article 7. Activities of the employment service. The Government indicates that the public employment service is open to all categories of jobseekers, and provides services to vulnerable groups of jobseekers, such as those with disabilities. It adds that the public employment service provides proper counselling to persons with disabilities on career choices, and advises employers not to discriminate against persons with disabilities and to reserve a certain percentage of employment for them. The Government also trains and equips persons with disabilities to be self-employed through various programmes of the National Directorate of Employment. In its 1998 General Survey on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons, paragraph 88, the Committee stressed the importance of vocational guidance in opening a broad range of occupations to persons with disabilities free of considerations based on stereotypes or outdated conceptions according to which specific trades or occupations are supposedly reserved for specified categories of persons. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service concerning various occupations and industries. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature of the career choice counselling given to persons with disabilities. The Committee is further requested to provide information on the nature and scope of the programmes implemented by the National Directorate of Employment to promote employment and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and on the impact of such programmes, indicating the number of persons benefiting from these programmes.

Article 8. Measures to assist young persons. The Government indicates that the Employment Exchanges have been upgraded in 12 states of the country with internet facilities linked to the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX). The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on specific measures aimed at assisting young persons in finding employment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the impact of measures taken or envisaged by the employment service to assist young persons in finding suitable employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Directorate of Employment and the National Poverty Eradication Programme measures aimed at assisting young persons to access employment.

Article 10. Measures to encourage full use of employment service facilities. The Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government provide information on the measures taken or envisaged by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit. The Government indicates that annual private employment agency workshops have been held in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with the aim of further strengthening existing cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. It adds that the next annual workshop is planned for the third quarter of 2017. The workshops provide a platform for discussions and exchanges of ideas on fair recruitment, as well as on measures to ensure compliance with government regulations. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit, including information on the content and outcome of the annual workshops on private employment agencies.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Government indicates that services rendered by the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are free of charge. It further reports that there are 42 employment exchange offices and 17 Professional and Executive Registries spread over 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 2011, a total of 5,896 applicants were registered with the Employment Exchanges, the Professional and Executive Registries, the National Labour Electronic Exchange (NELEX), and the National Directorate of Employment Job Centres. Of these, 329 applicants were placed in employment out of 383 vacancies notified. According to the Government’s report, sections 23–25 of the Labour Act regulate the activities of private employment agencies. The Government also refers to its National Employment Policy which is a product of tripartite consultation. The Committee recalls that the public employment service is one of the necessary institutions for the achievement of full employment. In conjunction with the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), The Convention forms a necessary building block for employment growth (General Survey concerning employment instruments, 2010, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure that sufficient employment offices are established to meet the specific needs of employers and jobseekers in each of the geographical areas of the country. The Committee also requests the Government to include information on the National Employment Policy and other measures taken to build institutions for the realization of full employment and encourages the social partners to consider the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 122, a significant instrument from the viewpoint of governance. The Government is asked to include statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of Employment Exchanges and Professional and Executive Registries established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide details of the consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries and the development of employment service policy.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that jobseekers and private employment agencies make use of the instruments and tools available at NELEX for job advertisements and placements. The Committee requests the Government to describe the manner in which the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are organized and the activities which they perform in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in the Convention.

Article 7. Activities of the employment service. The Government intended that the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are open to all applicants of all occupations and industries. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers, such as workers with disabilities.

Article 8. Measures to assist young persons. In addition to the measures implemented by NELEX, the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries, the Government indicates that it has established the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to assist young persons in finding suitable jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted by the employment service to assist young persons in finding suitable employment.

Article 10. Measures to encourage full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that a workshop on NELEX was organized in 2009 with the social partners and it resulted in an endorsement as an employment service facility. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies. The Government indicates that training of key officials of private employment agencies has been organized in 2007 and 2010. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous observation which reads as follows:

Repetition
Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2012 which includes brief replies to the previous comments. The Government indicates that services rendered by the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are free of charge. It further reports that there are 42 employment exchange offices and 17 Professional and Executive Registries spread over 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 2011, a total of 5,896 applicants were registered with the Employment Exchanges, the Professional and Executive Registries, the National Labour Electronic Exchange (NELEX), and the National Directorate of Employment Job Centres. Of these, 329 applicants were placed in employment out of 383 vacancies notified. According to the Government’s report, sections 23–25 of the Labour Act regulate the activities of private employment agencies. The Government also refers to its National Employment Policy which is a product of tripartite consultation. The Committee recalls that the public employment service is one of the necessary institutions for the achievement of full employment. In conjunction with the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), The Convention forms a necessary building block for employment growth (General Survey concerning employment instruments, 2010, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure that sufficient employment offices are established to meet the specific needs of employers and jobseekers in each of the geographical areas of the country. The Committee also requests the Government to include information on the National Employment Policy and other measures taken to build institutions for the realization of full employment and encourages the social partners to consider the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 122, a significant instrument from the viewpoint of governance. The Government is asked to include statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of Employment Exchanges and Professional and Executive Registries established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices.
Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide details of the consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries and the development of employment service policy.
Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that jobseekers and private employment agencies make use of the instruments and tools available at NELEX for job advertisements and placements. The Committee requests the Government to describe the manner in which the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are organized and the activities which they perform in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in the Convention.
Article 7. Activities of the employment service. The Government intended that the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are open to all applicants of all occupations and industries. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers, such as workers with disabilities.
Article 8. Measures to assist young persons. In addition to the measures implemented by NELEX, the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries, the Government indicates that it has established the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to assist young persons in finding suitable jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted by the employment service to assist young persons in finding suitable employment.
Article 10. Measures to encourage full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that a workshop on NELEX was organized in 2009 with the social partners and it resulted in an endorsement as an employment service facility. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities.
Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies. The Government indicates that training of key officials of private employment agencies has been organized in 2007 and 2010. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments.

Repetition
Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2012 which includes brief replies to the previous comments. The Government indicates that services rendered by the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are free of charge. It further reports that there are 42 employment exchange offices and 17 Professional and Executive Registries spread over 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 2011, a total of 5,896 applicants were registered with the Employment Exchanges, the Professional and Executive Registries, the National Labour Electronic Exchange (NELEX), and the National Directorate of Employment Job Centres. Of these, 329 applicants were placed in employment out of 383 vacancies notified. According to the Government’s report, sections 23–25 of the Labour Act regulate the activities of private employment agencies. The Government also refers to its National Employment Policy which is a product of tripartite consultation. The Committee recalls that the public employment service is one of the necessary institutions for the achievement of full employment. In conjunction with the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), The Convention forms a necessary building block for employment growth (General Survey concerning employment instruments, 2010, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee invites the Government to include, in its next report, additional information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure that sufficient employment offices are established to meet the specific needs of employers and jobseekers in each of the geographical areas of the country. The Committee also invites the Government to include information on the National Employment Policy and other measures taken to build institutions for the realization of full employment and encourages the social partners to consider the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 122, a significant instrument from the viewpoint of governance. The Government is asked to continue to include statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of Employment Exchanges and Professional and Executive Registries established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).
Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee invites the Government to provide further details of the consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries and the development of employment service policy.
Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that jobseekers and private employment agencies make use of the instruments and tools available at NELEX for job advertisements and placements. The Committee invites the Government to further describe the manner in which the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are organized and the activities which they perform in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in the Convention.
Article 7. Activities of the employment service. The Government indicates that the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are open to all applicants of all occupations and industries. It further reports that the public employment service is influenced by the policy on persons with disabilities. For example, in the Presidential Budget Address of 1986, it was mentioned that every employer was expected to employ a minimum of two persons with disabilities for every hundred employees. Furthermore, in the Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Discipline of the Federal Civil Servants, there is a Presidential Order which grants persons with disabilities special concessions with respect to job appointments in the public service. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers, such as workers with disabilities.
Article 8. Measures to assist young persons. In addition to the measures implemented by NELEX, the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries, the Government indicates that it has established the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to assist young persons in finding suitable jobs. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the measures adopted by the employment service to assist young persons in finding suitable employment.
Article 10. Measures to encourage full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that a workshop on NELEX was organized in 2009 with the social partners and it resulted in an endorsement as an employment service facility. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities.
Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies. The Government indicates that training of key officials of private employment agencies has been organized in 2007 and 2010. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the specific measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2012 which includes brief replies to the previous comments. The Government indicates that services rendered by the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are free of charge. It further reports that there are 42 employment exchange offices and 17 Professional and Executive Registries spread over 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 2011, a total of 5,896 applicants were registered with the Employment Exchanges, the Professional and Executive Registries, the National Labour Electronic Exchange (NELEX), and the National Directorate of Employment Job Centres. Of these, 329 applicants were placed in employment out of 383 vacancies notified. According to the Government’s report, sections 23–25 of the Labour Act regulate the activities of private employment agencies. The Government also refers to its National Employment Policy which is a product of tripartite consultation. The Committee recalls that the public employment service is one of the necessary institutions for the achievement of full employment. In conjunction with the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), The Convention forms a necessary building block for employment growth (General Survey concerning employment instruments, 2010, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee invites the Government to include, in its next report, additional information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure that sufficient employment offices are established to meet the specific needs of employers and jobseekers in each of the geographical areas of the country. The Committee also invites the Government to include information on the National Employment Policy and other measures taken to build institutions for the realization of full employment and encourages the social partners to consider the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 122, a significant instrument from the viewpoint of governance. The Government is asked to continue to include statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of Employment Exchanges and Professional and Executive Registries established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Articles 4 and 5. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee invites the Government to provide further details of the consultations held in the National Labour Advisory Board on the organization and operation of the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries and the development of employment service policy.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that jobseekers and private employment agencies make use of the instruments and tools available at NELEX for job advertisements and placements. The Committee invites the Government to further describe the manner in which the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are organized and the activities which they perform in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in the Convention.

Article 7. Activities of the employment service. The Government indicates that the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries are open to all applicants of all occupations and industries. It further reports that the public employment service is influenced by the policy on persons with disabilities. For example, in the Presidential Budget Address of 1986, it was mentioned that every employer was expected to employ a minimum of two persons with disabilities for every hundred employees. Furthermore, in the Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Discipline of the Federal Civil Servants, there is a Presidential Order which grants persons with disabilities special concessions with respect to job appointments in the public service. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers, such as workers with disabilities.

Article 8. Measures to assist young persons. In addition to the measures implemented by NELEX, the Employment Exchanges and the Professional and Executive Registries, the Government indicates that it has established the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to assist young persons in finding suitable jobs. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the measures adopted by the employment service to assist young persons in finding suitable employment.

Article 10. Measures to encourage full use of employment service facilities. The Government indicates that a workshop on NELEX was organized in 2009 with the social partners and it resulted in an endorsement as an employment service facility. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities.

Article 11. Cooperation between public and private employment agencies. The Government indicates that training of key officials of private employment agencies has been organized in 2007 and 2010. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the specific measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

CMNT_TITLE

Nigeria (ratification: 1961)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to report in detail on the application of the Convention. In June 2006, the Government reported that a total of 6,640 applicants were registered in the Employment Exchange and Professional and Executive Registries in 2005. Of these, 1,516 applicants were placed in employment, while a total number of 1,989 vacancies were notified. In reply to a request by the Office for supplementary information, the Government provided, in August 2006, figures on the impact of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) concerning the training of youth under the Vocational Skills Development Programme between 2002 and 2005. The Committee notes that the NEEDS covers small-scale enterprise programmes, rural employment promotion programmes, assistance for self-employment, special public work programmes and women’s cooperatives. The Committee notes again, as pointed out by the NEEDS, that since manufacturing is stagnant there are few jobs for the growing urban population, and urban unemployment was estimated at 10.8 per cent in 2004. NEEDS policies are expected to create about 7 million new jobs by 2007, by making it easier for private enterprises to thrive, by training people in skills relevant for the world of work and by promoting integrated rural development in collaboration with the States. The Committee hopes that the Employment Exchange and Professional Executive Registries will effectively perform their essential task within the meaning of the Convention, that is, of ensuring, in accordance with Article 1(1) of the Convention, the best possible organization of the employment market for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and for the development and use of productive resources. The Committee therefore requests the Government to report on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners, so that the public employment service is run efficiently and free of charge, and that it comprises a network of offices sufficient in number to meet the specific needs of jobseekers and employers countrywide. It also asks the Government to describe in its next report the activities of the employment service and the effects noted or expected on employment as a result of implementing its poverty reduction strategy.

The Committee further requests the Government to include in its next report statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of public employment offices established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form). Please also provide information on the following matters:

– consultations held with representatives of employers and workers on the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of employment policy (Articles 4 and 5);
– the manner in which the employment service is organized and the activities which it performs in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in Article 6;
– the activities of the public employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers that are in socially vulnerable positions, in particular workers with disabilities (Article 7);
– measures proposed by the employment service to assist youth in finding suitable employment (Article 8);
– measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities (Article 10);
– measures taken or envisaged by the employment service to pursue cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies (Article 11).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2006 observation which read as follows:

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to report in detail on the application of the Convention. In June 2006, the Government reported that a total of 6,640 applicants were registered in the Employment Exchange and Professional and Executive Registries in 2005. Of these, 1,516 applicants were placed in employment, while a total number of 1,989 vacancies were notified. In reply to a request by the Office for supplementary information, the Government provided, in August 2006, figures on the impact of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) concerning the training of youth under the Vocational Skills Development Programme between 2002 and 2005. The Committee notes that NEEDS covers small-scale enterprise programmes, rural employment promotion programmes, assistance for self-employment, special public work programmes and women’s cooperatives. The Committee notes again, as pointed out by NEEDS, that since manufacturing is stagnant there are few jobs for the growing urban population, and urban unemployment was estimated at 10.8 per cent in 2004. NEEDS policies are expected to create about 7 million new jobs by 2007, by making it easier for private enterprises to thrive by training people in skills relevant for the world of work and by promoting integrated rural development in collaboration with the States. The Committee hopes that the Employment Exchange and Professional Executive Registries will effectively perform their essential task within the meaning of the Convention, that is, of ensuring, in accordance with Article 1(1) of the Convention, the best possible organization of the employment market for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and for the development and use of productive resources. The Committee therefore requests the Government to report on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners, so that the public employment service is run efficiently and free of charge, and that it comprises a network of offices sufficient in number to meet the specific needs of jobseekers and employers countrywide. It also asks the Government to describe in its next report the activities of the employment service and the effects noted or expected on employment as a result of implementing its poverty reduction strategy.

– consultations held with representatives of employers and workers on the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of employment policy (Articles 4 and 5);

– the manner in which the employment service is organized and the activities which it performs in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in Article 6;

– the activities of the public employment service concerning the various occupations and industries, as well as particular categories of jobseekers that are in socially vulnerable positions, in particular workers with disabilities (Article 7);

– measures proposed by the employment service to assist youth in finding suitable employment (Article 8);

– measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities (Article 10);

– measures taken or envisaged by the employment service to pursue cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies (Article 11).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2006 observation which read as follows:

– consultations held with representatives of employers and workers on the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of employment policy (Articles 4 and 5);

– the manner in which the employment service is organized and the activities which it performs in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in Article 6;

– measures proposed by the employment service to assist youth in finding suitable employment (Article 8);

– measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities (Article 10);

– measures taken or envisaged by the employment service to pursue cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies (Article 11).

CMNT_TITLE

1. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to report in detail on the application of the Convention. In June 2006, the Government reported that a total of 6,640 applicants were registered in the Employment Exchange and Professional and Executive Registries in 2005. Of these, 1,516 applicants were placed in employment, while a total number of 1,989 vacancies were notified. In reply to a request by the Office for supplementary information, the Government provided, in August 2006, figures on the impact of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) concerning the training of youth under the Vocational Skills Development Programme between 2002 and 2005. The Committee notes that NEEDS covers small-scale enterprise programmes, rural employment promotion programmes, assistance for self-employment, special public work programmes and women’s cooperatives. The Committee notes again, as pointed out by NEEDS, that since manufacturing is stagnant there are few jobs for the growing urban population, and urban unemployment was estimated at 10.8 per cent in 2004. NEEDS policies are expected to create about 7 million new jobs by 2007, by making it easier for private enterprises to thrive by training people in skills relevant for the world of work and by promoting integrated rural development in collaboration with the States. The Committee hopes that the Employment Exchange and Professional Executive Registries will effectively perform their essential task within the meaning of the Convention, that is, of ensuring, in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the best possible organization of the employment market for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and for the development and use of productive resources. The Committee therefore requests the Government to report on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners, so that the public employment service is run efficiently and free of charge, and that it comprises a network of offices sufficient in number to meet the specific needs of jobseekers and employers countrywide. It also asks the Government to describe in its next report the activities of the employment service and the effects noted or expected on employment as a result of implementing its poverty reduction strategy.

2. The Committee further requests the Government to include in its next report statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of public employment offices established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form). Please also provide information on the following matters:

– consultations held with representatives of employers and workers on the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of employment policy (Articles 4 and 5);

– the manner in which the employment service is organized and the activities which it performs in order to carry out effectively the functions listed in Article 6;

– measures proposed by the employment service to assist youth in finding suitable employment (Article 8);

– measures proposed by the employment service, with the cooperation of the social partners, to encourage the full use of employment service facilities (Article 10);

– measures taken or envisaged by the employment service to pursue cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies (Article 11).

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Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that according to figures from the Employment Service, vacancies registered in 2002 were 4,391 against 1,634 in 2003 for the public sector. Jobseekers registered for 2002 were 1,686 and 2,687 in 2003, while placement for 2002 were 3,509 and 868 for 2003. The Committee expresses again its concerns with regard to the labour market situation and notes, as the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) adopted in March 2004 points out, that urban unemployment is acute with the attendant high level of crimes and socio-political tensions. In March 2003, the rural unemployment rate had dropped to 12.3 per cent and the urban rate to 7.4 per cent (giving a composite unemployment rate of 10.8 per cent, meaning that about 6.4 million people were actively looking for jobs without finding them). The labour force is about 61 million in Nigeria. The Committee therefore again requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention and recalls the need to ensure the essential duty of the employment service and its adjustment to meet the new requirements of the economy and the working population (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention). It asks the Government to continue to include statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of public employment offices established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form). Please also provide information on the activities of the Employment Service and the effects noted or expected on employment as a result of implementation of the NEEDS of Nigeria.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2006.]

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In reply to comments made since 1994, the Government indicated in August 2002 that it has made arrangements to encourage full voluntary use of employment service facilities. The Committee notes the significant increase in placements: from 1,144 vacancies registered in 2000 to 7,155 registered in 2001; from 1,662 jobseekers in 2000 to 8,112 in 2001; and from 923 placements in 2000 to 4,881 in 2001. In view of the situation in the labour market, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention and recalls the need to ensure the essential duty of the employment service and its adjustment to meet the new requirements of the economy and the working population (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention). The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report any new statistical information published in annual or periodical reports on the number of public employment offices established, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 1994 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information concerning the composition and functions of the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council, which, according to the Government’s statement in the report, is also consulted with regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

Article 10 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s declaration to the effect that efforts will be made to encourage full use of employment service facilities by employers and workers on a voluntary basis. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the arrangements made nationally and locally in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations to encourage full voluntary use of employment service facilities, as required under this Article. It would also like the Government to supply statistical information concerning the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by public employment offices, in accordance with Part IV of the report form.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee again notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information concerning the composition and functions of the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council, which, according to the Government’s statement in the report, is also consulted with regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

Article 10 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s declaration to the effect that efforts will be made to encourage full use of employment service facilities by employers and workers on a voluntary basis. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the arrangements made nationally and locally in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations to encourage full voluntary use of employment service facilities, as required under this Article. It would also like the Government to supply statistical information concerning the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by public employment offices, in accordance with Part IV of the report form.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information concerning the composition and functions of the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council, which, according to the Government's statement in the report, is also consulted with regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

Article 10 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's declaration to the effect that efforts will be made to encourage full use of employment service facilities by employers and workers on a voluntary basis. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the arrangements made nationally and locally in cooperation with employers' and workers' organizations to encourage full voluntary use of employment service facilities, as required under this Article. It would also like the Government to supply statistical information concerning the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by public employment offices, in accordance with Part IV of the report form.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information concerning the composition and functions of the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council, which, according to the Government's statement in the report, is also consulted with regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information concerning the composition and functions of the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council, which, according to the Government's statement in the report, is also consulted with regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

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Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, and in particular a brief statement in the report according to which the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council has been reconstituted and is currently busy with the review of all the labour legislation of Nigeria. The Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would indicate whether the representatives of employers and workers on this Council are appointed in equal numbers after consultation with representative organisations of employers and workers. Please describe in more detail the functions of the Council and indicate whether it is consulted with regard to the policy, organisation and operation of the employment service.

Article 10. The Committee notes from the Government's report that various employment exhanges are underutilised and that most employers do not make use of the employment exchanges. It hopes that the Government will make continuous efforts, in co-operation with employers' and workers' organisations, in order to encourage full use of employment service facilities by employers and workers on a voluntary basis, in accordance with this Article. Useful examples of measures which could be taken are given by the Employment Service Recommendation, 1948 (No. 83), Paragraph 22(2). The Committee asks the Government to provide in its next report information on any progress made in this connection.