The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for the swift passage of the reviewed labour laws to reflect modern realities and global best practices.
The appeal was made by NECA president Dr Ifeanyi Okoye at the 3rd Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum (LAAF), which was held yesterday in Abuja.
Okoye emphasised the critical role of a robust and independent labour adjudication system in maintaining industrial harmony and fostering economic growth.
He noted that an effective dispute resolution mechanism ensures fairness between employers and employees.
Okoye further urged relevant authorities to reactivate the National Labour Advisory Council, stressing its importance in fostering constructive engagement among social partners.
He said, “At NECA, we firmly believe that a well-structured and independent adjudication system is essential for industrial peace and economic growth.
The ability of our courts and arbitration mechanisms to deliver swift, impartial, and fair decisions is key to building trust between employers and employees”.
“It is our collective duty, as social partners, to ensure that these Institutions remain credible, effective, and adaptable to modern labour realities.
“In this regard, I appeal to all relevant authorities to expedite the passage of the reviewed labour laws, ensuring that they reflect current realities and global best practices”, Okoye added.
The forum, which has become a key annual event in Nigeria’s labour justice system, featured prominent stakeholders, including the director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo and Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, president of the Court of Appeal, with discussions centred on the theme, “Labour Adjudication and Appellate Jurisdiction: Challenges and Prospects.”
In his remarks, ILO director-general Gilbert Houngbo called for a transition from the minimum wage to a living wage to ensure that workers meet their basic needs.
Houngbo stated that fair wages are essential for economic stability, social justice and sustainable business growth.
Acknowledging the federal government’s minimum wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000, the DG commended the effort but stressed that wage policies must go further to truly support workers.
He also pointed out that global challenges, including geopolitical shifts, climate change, and technological advancements, should be seen as opportunities to reshape labour policies for the better.
Houngbo urged Nigeria and other nations to make job creation and fair wages the core of their policies, warning that failure to do so could lead to increased economic hardship and social unrest.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that a citizen works 50 to 60 hours a week yet struggles to meet basic needs for themselves and their families,” he stated.
At the event, Senator Diket Plang, the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity chairman, reaffirmed the national assembly’s commitment to strengthening the country’s labour laws.
