An Examination of the Application of International Labour Standards in Nigeria

Abstract

The International Labour Organization (ILO) serves as the determinant of an international labour
code otherwise known as International Labour Standards (ILS), the ILO regulates the practice of
labour and employment in its member-states through Conventions, Treaties, Recommendations,
Protocols and Declarations. Nigeria is a member of the ILO and has ratified several ILO
Conventions, with twenty-six being in force. The work examined the role of the ILO in the
regulation and development of international labour law. Also, the work examined the application
of these ILS in Nigeria. The doctrinal research methodology was adopted wherein both primary
and secondary sources of law were examined and analyzed. The work found out that the ILO has
developed itself into the foremost regulator of international labour law through its system of ILS,
which now serves as a benchmark for member-states to gauge and align their domestic labour law
and practice. Additional, it was discovered that Nigeria can now apply ILS which the country has
duly ratified as provided under section 254C(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The work recommended that in view of the contemporary nature of
international labour law, Nigeria should amend or enact new labour laws in tune with reality. The
work further recommended that Nigeria should ensure that ratified ILS are complied with for the
development of our labour law and practice.