By Joan Nwagwu
THE INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation (ILO) has emphasised the need for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), in Nigeria.
The ILO made the call in conjunction with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).
Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, made the call during a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, while inaugurating a strategic initiative to enhance the RBC in Nigeria.
The theme of the workshop is: “Responsible business conduct for the realisation of decent work: international instruments, current trends and initiatives, the national context and the way forward in Nigeria”.
The workshop which was organised by ILO was funded by the Government of France,
Phala said that the workshop aimed to foster sustainable and responsible business practices key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth.
According to her, there is need to broaden the concept of business performance beyond financial outcomes.
“We have moved from viewing business success solely through a financial lens to recognising the importance of sustainability, community commitment, and environmental responsibility.
“So these are collective factors that are very important issues around human rights. You do not want to do business with a company that is employing children.
“You do not want to do business with a company that forces workers to work and pay them below the minimum wage, not providing Occupational Safety and Health provisions.
“Businesses must be accountable, not only for their financial success, but also for their social and environmental impacts,” she said.
She said that this was also a way of achieving the Decent Work Agenda as it would make sure that worker’s rights were respected.
Phala also said that as part of the ongoing dialogue on RBC, ILO planned to convene a national forum in 2025.
She said that the forum would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to define priorities and develop a roadmap for advancing responsible business practices across Nigeria.
Also, Mr Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, Director General of NECA, said that the principle of responsible business conduct had always been central to global business standards.
“While profit is crucial, we must also be mindful of how we achieve that profit,” he said.
According to him, responsible business conduct goes beyond compliance, it places workers, human rights, and environmental considerations at the heart of business operations.
He said that NECA had long advocated for responsible enterprise, adding that this renewed focus aimed to ensure that more businesses operated ethically and sustainably.
“It is a collective effort. Employers, workers, unions, the government, and civil society must all play their part in creating an environment that supports decent work,” Oyerinde said.
He also said that RBC was not just an employer’s responsibility but a collaborative effort involving the government, employees, and other stakeholders.
The NECA DG also pointed out the role of government in creating an enabling environment for businesses.
He said that workers and unions should hold both employers and government accountable when standards are not met. (NAN)
