Advancing Social Dialogue for Youth Employment

Following her participation at the “United for Youth: Social Partners for Jobs in Africa” conference in Berlin, organised by GIZ on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Comrade Martha John, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Youth Committee, shares her insights on social dialogue, youth inclusion and improving employment outcomes for young people. 

GIZ- “Centres for Migration and Development" (ZME): You recently represented Nigeria at a global conference on youth employment. What stayed with you the most? 

Martha: What really stood out was the level of collaboration between governments, employers, and workers’ organisations. Social dialogue wasn’t approached as a formality; it was advanced as an integral aspect of social change. I was also impressed by how intentionally young people were included, not just to attend, but to actively contribute their knowledge as critical stakeholders in their future. 

GIZ-ZME: How does that compare with what we see in Nigeria? 

Martha: It shows both progress and opportunity. We already have structures in place, such as the Youth Committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress. But youth participation needs to go beyond formal representation to become an active contributor to socio-economic discourse. It has to be meaningful. This experience really reinforced the importance of embedding youth voices into our labour systems in a more deliberate way. 

GIZ-ZME: Were there shared challenges across countries? 

Martha: Very much so. No matter the country, young people are facing similar issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and unfair or indecent work practices. It was a strong reminder that this is a global challenge that requires collective solutions. 

GIZ-ZME: What were the key takeaways from the conference? 

Martha: There was a clear commitment to creating more decent jobs for young people, especially in informal and emerging sectors. We also saw a strong focus on improving skills development, strengthening school-to-work transitions, and ensuring better protection for young workers. Safe and fair labour migration was another key priority. 

GIZ-ZME: What should be prioritised moving forward? 

Martha: Investment in skills is critical, especially through vocational training. We also need more structured internship opportunities that actually lead somewhere. At the same time, we must extend social protection to young people in informal and gig work, while preparing them with digital skills for the future. 

GIZ-ZME: How does social dialogue help drive this change? 

Martha: It brings everyone to the table to build solutions together. When young people are genuinely included, policies become more practical and more sustainable. It’s about shifting from simply being consulted to actually being part of decision-making. 

GIZ-ZME: What are your next priorities after this experience? 

Martha: I’m focused on creating more inclusive spaces for young people within the labour movement, pushing for access to decent work, and strengthening pathways from education to employment. The connections made at the conference will also help sustain collaboration going forward. 

GIZ-ZME: Finally, what does International Workers’ Day mean to you in this context? 

Martha: It’s a reminder that the future of work must include everyone. Young people shouldn’t just benefit from the system; they should help shape it. Strengthening social dialogue is how we make that happen. 

As we commemorate International Workers’ Day, this conversation reminds us that advancing youth employment is not just about creating opportunities, but about reshaping the systems that govern work itself. Social dialogue offers a powerful pathway to ensure that young people are not sidelined, but recognised as equal partners in building fair, resilient, and forward-looking labour markets. By deepening collaboration among governments, employers, and workers’ organisations, and by intentionally embedding youth voices in decision-making spaces, we can move closer to a future where decent work is not an aspiration, but a reality for all.

Interviewer: Oluwole Olubanji, Communication Advisor, ZME, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS