Nigeria has been ranked among the 10 worst countries in the world for workers in 2025, according to the latest Global Rights Index by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
The report was unveiled in Room 19 of the World Diplomatic Building during the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. This marks the first time Nigeria has appeared in the ITUC’s top 10 list since the index was introduced in 2014.
Other countries on the list include Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Myanmar, the Philippines, Tunisia, and Türkiye. These nations were cited for grave violations of internationally recognised labour rights, including the rights to strike, collective bargaining, and unionisation.
The 2025 report revealed a decline in labour conditions across Africa, with the continent recording its second-worst performance on record. Africa’s regional score deteriorated from 3.88 in 2024 to 3.95 in 2025.
“Ninety per cent of countries in the region obstructed the rights to strike, bargain collectively, or form unions,” the report noted.
While instances of violence against workers declined overall, union activists were reported killed in Cameroon and South Africa. In Nigeria, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe, unionists faced repression, while authorities in Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, and Zimbabwe banned protests and public assembly.
Military regimes in West Africa – including Burkina Faso, Chad, Gabon, and Mali — were also accused of suppressing trade union activities. Ongoing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan were reported to have devastated livelihoods and left millions in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
The ITUC called for urgent reforms to protect workers’ rights in line with international standards.
