In a bid to address the growing wave of industrial actions across the country, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025. The new policy aims to regulate the activities of trade unions and foster a more stable and cooperative relationship between employers and employees.
The approval comes amid a nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), now entering its third day. The government has since withdrawn the controversial circular that triggered the strike and is expected to meet with union representatives today.
Briefing reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the new policy fills a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s labour framework.
“This policy is crucial to guiding the operations of trade unions and promoting industrial harmony,” Idris stated. “Over the years, frequent strikes have disrupted national productivity, largely due to the absence of a comprehensive national industrial relations policy. This approval, initiated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, is a strategic response.”
He noted that the policy will support seamless workload distribution, encourage social dialogue, and promote collaboration between the government, employers, and workers. It also aligns Nigeria’s labour practices with global standards, including those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Idris admitted that while existing labour laws have been under-enforced, the new policy is designed to enhance accountability and ensure effective implementation across sectors.
On the ongoing strike by health workers, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said their concerns have been acknowledged and are being addressed.
“We’re negotiating revised allowances and reviewing structural issues like the centralization of nurses’ postings. The goal is not just financial—it's about building a system that respects and supports our health professionals,” Pate said.
He also announced the approval of a new Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as part of broader efforts to reform the health sector.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have criticized what they describe as government and security agencies' undue interference in union affairs. They also warned against attempts to divide labour organisations to weaken their collective bargaining power.
TUC President Festus Osifo, represented by Secretary-General Dr. Nuhu Toro during a courtesy visit by RATTAWU (Radio, Television and Arts Workers Union), said:
“TUC stands for unity and collective action. We’re aware of the divide-and-rule tactics used by some employers, but united, we can overcome any challenge.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero added:
“Nowhere else in the world do governments meddle in the internal affairs of trade unions like we see in Nigeria. The ILO is monitoring, and trade unions remain independent entities governed by international labour laws.”
Ajaero also criticized the government’s involvement in union-managed funds such as the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and National Pension Commission (PenCom), and condemned members who involve security agencies in union matters for personal gain.
On the ongoing NANNM-FHI strike, National Chairman Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan maintained that the strike will not be called off based on verbal promises.
“We won’t suspend the strike unless we see tangible action. Our demands must be partially met, and a Memorandum of Understanding must be signed. We’ve shown patience and compassion, but we’re left with no other option,” he said.
He expressed frustration over the absence of key officials like the Minister of Health and the Head of Civil Service during recent negotiation meetings, which ended without resolution.
Despite the tensions, the government has reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with the unions to resolve disputes, as directed by President Tinubu.
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