Abuja, Nigeria In a significant step toward reshaping narratives around labour migration and combating forced labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and key partners, convened a Regional Adaptation Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. The workshop marked the localization of the ILO's Media Toolkit on Reporting Forced Labour and Fair Recruitment for the West African context.
Held at the Chelsea Hotel, the workshop brought together over 50 participants-including journalists, government officials, trade unions, employers' organizations, and development partners-under the FMM West Africa II, FAIR III, and ACTION Project initiatives. The effort was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Originally developed for Southern Africa, the toolkit has now been tailored to reflect West Africa's migration realities, integrating ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols, regional frameworks, and emerging themes such as returnee reintegration, climate-induced displacement, and misinformation.
"This toolkit is not just a guide-it is a call to action to inform, influence, and protect," said Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara of ILO-ACTRAV, who represented the ILO Country Director at the workshop.
Led by international media consultant Charles Autheman, the workshop featured practical modules on ethical storytelling, media safety, and data-driven reporting. Breakout sessions and peer exchanges fostered collaboration and generated actionable proposals for national media engagement and regional coordination.
We must shape Africa's labour migration story ourselves-fairly and fearlessly
Mr. Omar Faruk Osman Nur, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).
Other key voices emphasized the importance of balanced and informed reporting:
- Mr. John Odah of OTUWA highlighted alignment with ECOWAS values of free movement.
- Mr. Thompson Akpabio of FOPAO called for responsible journalism in the face of disinformation.
- Ms. Lilian Ashia of GIZ Ghana stressed the need for structured awareness and access to information to promote safe migration.
For many participants, the workshop was transformative.
"This toolkit gives us a voice to tell stories that matter," said Aisha Sulayman, a journalist from The Gambia. "It's empowering to see how journalism can push policies and restore dignity to migrant workers in our region."
Ms. Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS commended the initiative: "This adaptation is a milestone for West Africa. By equipping journalists with the right tools and knowledge, we are not only strengthening ethical journalism but also advancing the rights and dignity of migrant workers across the region."
The adapted toolkit will be finalized and translated into English, French, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility across ECOWAS member states. A regional sensitization campaign will follow, with trained journalists leading national dissemination and forming a coordinated media network to sustain momentum
