The Federal Government has called for the development of inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence policies that protect workers’ rights and prevent job losses while harnessing the technology’s potential to drive economic growth and productivity.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, while responding to the report of the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, titled “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work,” on Thursday.
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.
He noted that 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 ILO leadership for its commitment to advancing the organisation’s mandate despite mounting global economic and social challenges.
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to position itself within the rapidly evolving digital economy, Dingyadi said the Federal Government had established the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to spearhead policies aimed at accelerating technological development and strengthening the country’s competitiveness.
According to him, Nigeria has already begun integrating digital technologies and AI into governance systems 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.
The minister 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, Dingyadi reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for reforms within the ILO, urging member states to accelerate the ratification of the 1986 Amendment to the organisation’s Constitution and review the criteria used to determine countries of Chief Industrial Importance.
He argued that 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 that technological innovation contributes to social progress and decent work.
Nigeria’s intervention comes amid growing global debate over the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and the future of work.
According to international labour and development agencies, AI is expected to automate some routine tasks while simultaneously creating new employment opportunities in technology, data science, digital services and other emerging sectors.
However, concerns persist 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 has become a central focus of discussions at the ongoing International Labour Conference, where governments, employers and workers’ representatives are examining how AI can be deployed in ways that promote productivity and economic growth without undermining labour rights, job security and social justice.
For Nigeria, the conversation is particularly significant 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.
Experts have repeatedly stressed that achieving these goals will require investments in digital skills, education and worker protections to ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared across society.
