Federal Gov’t Moves To Tame Strikes With New Labour Rules

The Federal Government has approved the implementation of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), a sweeping framework aimed at curbing incessant strikes and fostering workplace harmony across Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the approval on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Idris described the policy as “a much-needed blueprint” to regulate interactions among trade unions, employers and government agencies, while aligning Nigeria’s industrial practices with international benchmarks, including those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“The policy will ensure seamless workflow, promote social dialogue and tripartite cooperation among government, employers and workers, and also align Nigeria’s industrial practices with global standards,” the minister said.

He stressed that the NIRP was designed to address a long-standing gap in the nation’s labour framework, which has contributed to frequent and often prolonged industrial actions.

“This approval stems from the need to control frequent industrial actions over the years caused by the absence of a comprehensive national policy,” Idris noted, adding that maintaining industrial peace is “a national priority that requires immediate and ongoing attention.”

The NIRP, officials said, will serve as a guiding document for all stakeholders in the labour space, ensuring that disputes are resolved through structured dialogue rather than crippling strikes.