The Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy, NIRP, 2025, in an effort to reduce the frequency of trade union strikes.
This happened as the administration announced that the disputed circular that sparked the current health workers strike had been withdrawn. Meanwhile, the administration plans to meet with the striking nurses today.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, briefed State House media at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on how the new policy will control trade union activities.
He stated that the country’s National Industrial Relations Policy was developed in response to the need for a guiding policy document aimed at developing harmonious industrial relations in the workplace for both employers and employees.
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He said, “This policy is essential for regulating the conduct of the various trade unions within the industrial relations space in the country.
“This is due to frequent industrial actions over the years caused by the lack of a comprehensive national policy.
“FEC looked at that and came up with approval for this policy, brought up by the Minister of Labour and Employment.
“The policy will ensure a seamless workload, promote social dialogue and tripartite cooperation among government employers and workers, and also align Nigeria’s industrial relations practices with global standards, including those set by the International Labour Organisation, while underscoring the importance of maintaining industrial relations as a national priority that requires immediate and ongoing attention.
“The Nigerian government has previously enacted well-crafted laws to govern the industrial relations landscape between labour and employers, with the government serving as regulator.
“However, the implementation fell short of expectations, as many provisions in the laws are often disregarded by the parties involved, hence the need for a comprehensive National Policy.”
