Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, an open debate took place in the ILO’s Working Conditions Committee. Governments, employers, and workers from different delegations negotiated together. Anglophone, Francophone, and Hispanic representatives united to find a common agreement aimed at ensuring a stable professional career for elite athletes, including social protection, gender pay equality, career transition rights, and mental and physical health guarantees. In this trilingual committee, the Nigerian workers’ delegation stood out for its active participation on an issue close to its heart.
Here is their feedback when we had the chance to interview them:
FERMUN: Why do you think athletes’ working conditions are a current issue?
Nigerian Workers: It’s an issue because inequalities still persist today. Some countries don’t have the same opportunities to protect and promote their athletes due to slower development.
FERMUN: Can you briefly describe the solution you propose?
Nigerian Workers: Our solution is to create a sports tournament among emerging countries called TEC, with specific participation conditions. Participating countries would be required to follow laws protecting athletes.
FERMUN: Who are the main contributors to this project?
Nigerian Workers: China, the Russian Federation, and Saudi Arabia would finance and organize the tournament, but they would have no influence over the decisions made. This is crucial for countries that cannot self-fund. Their participation aims to promote economic growth, raise social awareness, and reduce gender inequalities.
FERMUN: What does this project bring to your delegation?
Nigerian Workers: We believe that Nigerian athletes will be highlighted, which can improve the sports sector, especially by promoting female athletes. We hope our resolution will pass!
Chloé Arnaud & Lilou Fréchet