The organised labour has called for the strict implementation of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), urging stakeholders to ensure that it delivers tangible benefits to workers.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, made the call at the inauguration of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ajaero, represented by Mr Echezona Asuzu, Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, said the policy must not remain a document but serve as a practical framework to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen industrial peace and promote decent work.
“This policy must not end as a document, but translate into real improvement in workers’ welfare and industrial peace.
“We expect it to move from paper to practice, improving conditions of work and dignity of labour.
“The true value of this policy will be measured not by its launch, but by its impact on workers’ lives and workplaces,” he said.
Ajaero commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) for their roles in the consultation process.
The NLC president, however, expressed concern that Nigerian workers still face economic hardship, low wages, casualisation and poor working conditions, describing them as urgent issues requiring attention.
He stressed the need for respect for collective bargaining agreements, stronger enforcement of labour laws and protection of workers’ rights to ensure fairness and dignity in workplaces.
Ajaero said that industrial harmony cannot exist without justice, adding that labour would continue to resist exploitation and advocate a fair and humane industrial relations system.
The President of the TUC, Mr Festus Osifo, also commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for driving the policy through inclusive consultations and stakeholder engagement.
He said the process reflected recognition of long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s industrial relations system, but urged that implementation must not fail.
Osifo, represented by Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General of TUC, said the union approached the policy with “guided optimism,” noting that workers continued to face harsh economic realities.
“We approach this policy with guided optimism, but also with firm resolve that workers’ realities must change.
“While we welcome this policy, Nigerian workers still face unbearable economic hardship that cannot be ignored,” he said.
He listed rising cost of living, declining real wages, casualisation, unsafe workplaces and persistent violations of workers’ rights as major concerns affecting workers nationwide.
The TUC president warned that the policy must not become another document that fails at implementation, stressing the need for accountability and strong enforcement mechanisms.
Osifo called for stronger protection of workers’ rights, respect for collective bargaining agreements and strict sanctions for violations of labour standards.
He said that labour would resist exploitation and continue to demand fairness, dignity and humane working conditions, saying anything short of that would be unacceptable.
