The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has inaugurated the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) to curb strikes and promote industrial harmony across the country.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the policy in Abuja. The policy document was also signed by all tripartite partners.
Dingyadi described the policy as Nigeria’s first comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening industrial harmony, promoting decent work, and driving inclusive economic growth.
According to him, the policy became necessary because Nigeria’s industrial relations system had long operated without a unified framework despite the existence of labour laws and international conventions.
“Unresolved workplace disputes often escalate unnecessarily, while collective bargaining sometimes becomes confrontational instead of collaborative.
“The policy provides the compass needed to manage workplace relations amid technological changes, insecurity, and the growing demand for job-rich economic growth,” he said.
The minister explained that the policy is anchored on three pillars: social dialogue, rights at work, and productivity and competitiveness.
He added that government, employers, and workers would operate as equal partners through strengthened labour advisory and sectoral councils.
Dingyadi said the policy reaffirmed workers’ rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the elimination of forced labour, child labour, and discrimination.
He stressed that industrial peace must translate into more jobs, improved wages, and stronger enterprises.
According to him, the document emerged after six years of consultations involving government officials, labour unions, employers, and other stakeholders.
Dingyadi further disclosed that the government would strengthen labour institutions, establish a National Industrial Relations Observatory, expand labour protection to the informal sector, and organise training programmes for labour officers, union leaders, and human resources managers.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, described the policy as a transformative framework for the future of work in the country.
Phala-Moyo said the adoption of the policy was both courageous and visionary amid growing global economic and workplace uncertainties.
“Today, Nigeria sends a strong signal for dialogue, shared responsibility, and social cohesion in the world of work.
“This policy is not imposed from outside. It is nationally owned, inclusive, and shaped through dialogue and consensus,” she said.
She commended employers’ and workers’ organisations for their constructive engagement and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the policy.
