Federal Government has called for the development of inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) policies that protect workers’ rights and prevent job losses while harnessing the technology’s potential to drive economic growth and productivity.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, while responding to a report titled “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work.”
Dingyadi said the rapid advancement of AI is transforming labour markets, workplace practices and employment relationships globally, creating both opportunities and challenges for governments, employers and workers.
According to him, while AI can stimulate innovation, improve productivity and expand economic opportunities, it also poses significant risks, including job displacement, widening inequalities and the erosion of the human role in some sectors of the economy.
“The world is moving forward at a rapid pace, underpinned by advances in AI, and we as an organisation must match that pace. While welcoming the positive transformations AI offers, we are also pondering the uncertainties it connotes.
“These shifts, despite their benefits, also cast a dark cloud of uncertainty. Where AI creates new jobs, there may be job losses. Where digital and AI infrastructures are created, there may be a loss of the traditional role and value of the human factor in the work process. We therefore need a balanced approach that ensures that, while harnessing the benefits of AI, the attendant risks do not rob our societies of the gains of decent work,” he said.
The minister commended the leadership of the International Labour Organization for advancing the organisation’s mandate despite growing global economic and social challenges.
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to position itself within the evolving digital economy, Dingyadi said the Federal Government established the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to drive technological development and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.
He noted that Nigeria has begun integrating digital technologies and AI into governance through the automation of civil service processes and public service delivery.
“I’m also pleased to inform you that Nigeria is steadily harnessing the gains of this initiative in our Public Service. There is the service-wide automation of civil service processes and communication, with AI playing a significant role. Additionally, platform work is gaining ground,” he said.
Dingyadi also welcomed ongoing discussions within the ILO on regulating work in the platform economy, stressing the need for labour standards that protect workers engaged in emerging forms of employment created by digital technologies.
Beyond AI, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s call for reforms within the ILO, urging member states to accelerate ratification of the 1986 amendment to the organisation’s constitution and review the criteria used to determine countries of Chief Industrial Importance.
He said such reforms would promote greater inclusivity, fairness and regional representation within the ILO’s governance structures.
The minister further urged countries to align the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Coalition for Social Justice with national development priorities to ensure technological innovation contributes to social progress and decent work.
Nigeria’s intervention comes amid growing global debate over the impact of AI on jobs and the future of work. While AI is expected to automate some routine tasks, experts believe it could also create new opportunities in technology, data science, digital services and other emerging sectors.
However, concerns remain that workers in administrative, clerical and repetitive occupations could face significant disruptions if governments fail to implement policies that support skills development, social protection and workforce transition.
The issue remains a key focus of discussions at the ongoing International Labour Conference, where governments, employers and workers’ representatives are examining how AI can boost productivity and economic growth without undermining labour rights, job security and social justice.
For Nigeria, the debate is particularly important as the country pursues an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at expanding broadband access, growing the digital economy and creating millions of technology-driven jobs for its youthful population.
