TUC Ghana and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) joined forces in a groundbreaking peer learning exchange to transform labour migration governance and safeguard migrant workers' rights. Facilitated under ILO’s FAIR III programme, this collaboration will lay the foundation for a landmark MoU, paving the way for stronger protections, fair recruitment practices, and a unified approach to advocacy across the Ghana-Nigeria migration corridor.

In a historic step towards strengthening cross-border collaboration and safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, a 5-member delegation from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana and its affiliates embarked on a transformative peer learning exchange with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in March 2025. Facilitated under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment (FAIR III), this study visit marked a pivotal moment in the Ghana-Nigeria migration corridor, fostering solidarity, knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies to protect migrant workers across West Africa. Ghana and Nigeria, two economic powerhouses in West Africa, share deep socio-economic and cultural ties, reflected in the significant migration flow between the two nations. 

With over 238,000 individuals migrating between the two countries, driven by economic opportunities and regional agreements like the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, the need for robust labour migration governance has never been more urgent. Migrant workers in both countries often face exploitation, lack of legal protection, and challenges in accessing labour justice. Recognizing these shared challenges, TUC Ghana and NLC came together to learn, collaborate, and innovate. 

The study visit was designed to bridge capacity gaps, share best practices, and formalize a partnership that would amplify the voices of migrant workers and ensure their rights are protected throughout the migration cycle. The 3-day study visit provided TUC Ghana with invaluable insights into Nigeria’s innovative approaches to labour migration governance. Key highlights included the institutionalization of migration focal points at labour centres and affiliate unions, which create a structured support system for migrant workers. 

The National Trade Union Network on Migration, with its steering committee, demonstrated how coordinated efforts can address migrant workers’ needs effectively. The NLC’s Migrant Call Centre, a lifeline for migrant workers, showcased how technology can be leveraged to provide real-time support, report grievances, and offer guidance on fair recruitment practices. The NLC’s Migrant Call Centre, a lifeline for migrant workers, showcased how technology can be leveraged to provide real-time support, report grievances, and offer guidance on fair recruitment practices. 

While the Migrant Recruitment Advisor (MRA) tool has been launched and operationalized in Ghana, the NLC’s approach to creating awareness about the tool is inspiring and offers valuable lessons for TUC Ghana to enhance its outreach and engagement efforts. 

Comrade Michael Angmor, General Secretary of the National Union of Seamen, Ports, and Allied Workers (NUSPAW), who led the TUC Ghana delegation, stated, "The NLC has a well-laid-out plan for labour migration and the protection of migrant workers. TUC Ghana will adapt such a well-structured and coherent approach to strengthen our own labour migration framework." 

The delegation also visited the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. These visits provided TUC Ghana with a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s policy and governance frameworks for labour migration and migration, respectively, and how these institutions collaborate with trade unions to protect migrant workers. 

At the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the delegation gained insights into the modalities for establishing and operationalizing Migrant Resource Centres. These centres serve as critical hubs for providing information, training, and support to migrant workers, ensuring they are well-prepared and informed before embarking on their journeys. The Ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with trade unions like the NLC in implementing these initiatives, highlighting how such partnerships strengthen the enforcement of labour laws and ensure that migrant workers’ rights are upheld. 

The visit to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons offered a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s national migration governance structure. The Commission shared its strategies for addressing the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons, including the integration of migration into national development plans. TUC Ghana learned how the Commission works closely with the NLC to advocate for the rights of migrant workers, particularly in addressing issues such as exploitation, access to justice, and fair recruitment practices. 

These visits underscored the critical role of collaboration between government institutions and trade unions in shaping effective labour migration policies and ensuring their implementation. TUC Ghana gained valuable insights into how such partnerships can be replicated in Ghana to strengthen its own labour migration governance framework. The study visit was climaxed by a visit to Nigeria’s Migrant Resource Centre operated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, providing TUC Ghana with practical insights into establishing similar centres in Ghana. These centres serve as hubs for information, training, and support, ensuring that migrant workers are well-prepared and informed before embarking on their journeys. One of the most significant outcomes of the study visit was the initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TUC Ghana and NLC Nigeria. 

This landmark agreement when signed later this year will formalize their collaboration, paving the way for joint initiatives, mutual support, and ongoing dialogue to protect migrant workers’ rights. The MoU also lays the foundation for a shared roadmap, outlining strategies for capacity building, advocacy, and the establishment of migration focal points, a national trade union network on migration, and a migrant call centre in Ghana. By the end of the study visit, TUC Ghana was equipped with practical tools, knowledge, and inspiration to strengthen its labour migration governance framework. 

The exchange not only deepened the understanding of Nigeria’s successful practices but also fostered a sense of solidarity and shared purpose between the two unions. As TUC Ghana prepares to implement the lessons learned, the impact of this peer learning exchange will resonate far beyond the Ghana-Nigeria migration corridor. It will empower migrant workers, promote fair recruitment practices, and ensure that the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld, regardless of their nationality or migration status.