By Chuks NZEH
Trade unions from across the continent of Africa, and beyond, under the aegis of Africa Trade Migration Network, ATUMNET, are collaborating with the International Labour Organisation as well as private recruitment agencies in Africa to mitigate exploitative employment of migrant workers.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Abuja, the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa , Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, said the network has decided to change approach to deepen social dialogue, collaboration, partnership and cooperation with the state actors
Odigie said ATUMNET is under the supervision of the ITUC-Africa, adding that the 2025 Annual Meeting brought together a diverse range of stakeholders.
For the first time, the dialogue is being expanded to include those often absent from policy discussions, the very workers affected and the agencies that shape their migration journeys.
Odigie said “How do we change the way of doing things when we have always spoken to ourselves.
“You will notice that for the first time, we have recruitment agencies with us in this meeting, you will notice that we have government officials.
“More importantly, you will notice that we have migrant workers more in their numbers and we also have a large representation of migrant workers themselves from the middle east.
“We want to see a more inclusive strategy where we work more with stakeholders to improve pro right workers migration”.
Also speaking, ILO Chief Technical Advisor for BRMM Project, Aida Awel, said despite their contributions, migrant workers often face numerous challenges.
Awel said they are frequently subjected to exploitative working conditions, including low wages, long hours, and inadequate access to social protection.
According to her, the key role played by trade unions in advocating for the rights of migrant workers, noting that by organizing and representing migrant workers, trade unions can amplify their voices and ensure that their concerns are addressed.
“However, we don’t see many migrant workers organized in our region and beyond, we would like to see more of this as we believe it is critical.
“We are happy to see that there are efforts in this regard, but we need to do more to promote rights-based labour migration governance in our region as the demand is huge,” she said.
She called for more partnerships and collaborations to drive the process
“Addressing the challenges of labour migration is not only the trade union’s role, it requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. Governments, employers, trade unions, PEAs, academia, development partners, and civil society must work together to create an environment where migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect,” she said.
Aida said one of ILO’s key priorities is to eliminate exploitative recruitment practices.
“Migrant workers often incur significant debts to secure employment, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and forced labour. Ensuring fair recruitment is a key aspect of enhancing rights, protection and access to justice for migrant workers,” she said.
On his part, President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said that “NLC has resolved to be committed to any effort and all activities that will promote better migration governance.
Represented by the Head of International Relations at NLC, Hon. Uche Ekwe, he said there is no better way to do this than to actively participate and collaborate, as well as strengthen the alliance between workers and the “other” stakeholders in the workplace and society in ways to continue to enrich the call for fair migration.
“We have affirmed that fair migration and responsive governance are some of the ways to tame hazards of migration, poverty and inequality. In essence, the pursuit of fair migration ensures that the migrants, their families, business, receiving and host economies all benefit. We shall continue to donate efforts in the realisation of this goal,” he said.
The meeting also witnessed testimonies from migrant returnees, from Kenya, Uganda and Ghana who shared their harrowing Labour Migration experiences in the host countries.
