The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the General Federation of Workers Trade Unions in Bahrain (GFBTU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on advancing trade unions’ effective contribution to protect and promote rights of migrant workers along the Africa - Arab states migratory corridor.

Adopting a union – union relationship approach, the MOU amongst other objectives seeks to provide the space and opportunity for engagement between the two organisations, working collaboratively towards improving the conditions of work and rights of migrant workers in both countries.  

The ceremony took place on the 6th of June 2022, on the side-lines of the 110th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland where Mr. Hassan Al-Halwachi, Deputy General Secretary signed on behalf of GFBTU, and Comrade Ayuba Wabba, President of the NLC signed on behalf of the Congress.

In 2021, the International Labour Organization (ILO) within the framework of the FAIRWAY global programme supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, signed an Implementation Agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress. Amongst other aspects of promoting effective labour migration governance and improving rights of Nigerian migrant workers, the NLC desirous of advancing inter-regional engagement and dialogue, commenced engagement and consultations with GFBTU which culminated in signing the MOU.

The MOU is seen as an important first step towards formalizing and enhancing greater collaborations and the establishment of a working relationship between the two organisations. It establishes a joint Committee tasked with the responsibility of ensuring effective administration of the normative provisions of the MOU.

Going forward, it is expected that both organizations roll-out engagement to facilitate operationalization of the MOU, including through constituting membership and convening maiden meetings of the Joint Committee.