NLC demand more constructive, peaceful approach to industrial relations

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the government to ensure a more constructive and peaceful approach to industrial relations practice, emphasizing that the increasing use of force and violence in addressing labour disputes must be discontinued.

In the statement signed by the Head of Information and a public Affairs, Benson Ukpah, the NLC also wants the Federal Government to immediately revive the comatose National Labour Advisory Council and ensure the protection of interest of Nigerian workers.

In a statement titled “what we told the Honourable Minister when he visited”, the Congress also asked the government to immediately forward to the National Assembly the reviewed Labour administration laws.

The statement reads: “Flowing from the visit of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment to our national headquarters on Wednesday the 5th of February, 2025, we called on the Federal Government to urgently revive the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) and ensure the establishment of statutory boards that protect workers’ interests, including the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

“This was our message to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, during the courtesy visit.

“During the visit, which was aimed at strengthening the relationship between organised labour and the Federal Government, the NLC reiterated its demand for a more constructive and peaceful approach to industrial relations practice, emphasizing that the increasing use of force and violence in addressing labour disputes must be discontinued.

“We strongly urged the Minister to work towards ensuring that industrial relations engagements in Nigeria adhere strictly to internationally accepted best practices and respect for social dialogue.

“The NLC also raised concerns over the growing hardship facing Nigerian workers, particularly the alarming rise in cases of the working poor and the widespread decent work deficits across various sectors of the economy.

“Itemphasized the need for immediate policy interventions to address these challenges and guarantee better working conditions, fair wages, and social protections for all workers in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, it stressed the importance of restoring sanity to the nation’s industrial relations climate by ensuring that all social partners – government, employers, and trade unions – adhere to the established rules of engagement.

“The NLC believes that a fair and transparent labour administration system, where dialogue and negotiation take precedence over repression and coercion, will create a more stable and productive economy.

“The Honourable Minister, in his remarks, reassured the NLC of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering industrial peace and harmony in the country. He commended the Congress for its role in maintaining stability in the labour sector and reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with labour organisations in a mutually respectful and constructive manner.

“While we acknowledge the Minister’s commitment to collaboration and dialogue, the NLC will remain vigilant in defending the rights of Nigerian workers and advocating for policies that improve their welfare.

“We urge the government to translate its assurances into concrete actions that will lead to sustainable industrial peace and national development. The Honourable Minister’s visit has demonstrated his readiness to work with all the social partners to make the world of work in Nigeria fair and equitable and we thanked him for that.”

By Tony Akowe