A major controversy is brewing between Nigeria’s organized labour and employers following the introduction of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP). The policy, launched on August 1, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja, has exposed sharp divisions over workers’ rights and the future of labour relations in the country.
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has welcomed the NIRP, describing it as a progressive step toward modernizing industrial relations. According to Adewale-Samuel Oyerinde, NECA’s Director-General, the policy offers a dynamic framework that balances the interests of employers with the need for improved productivity. He emphasized that it could enhance global competitiveness and attract foreign investment by creating a predictable and stable industrial environment.
However, this view has been strongly challenged by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has rejected the policy as “anti-worker” and unconstitutional. NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the policy as a “knee-jerk reaction” that was developed without adequate consultation with workers’ representatives. He warned that the NIRP could strip trade unions of their right to collective bargaining, weaken workers’ voices, and erode protections guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution.
Supporting the NLC’s stance, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also raised alarms. Its Deputy President, Comrade Otunba Oyewole Olusegun, warned that implementing the NIRP in its current form could trigger widespread dissatisfaction and unrest among Nigerian workers. He echoed concerns that the policy undermines key principles of tripartite dialogue and international labour standards.
Labour analysts have weighed in on the debate, noting that while the NIRP is intended to create a structured system for dispute resolution and industrial harmony, its lack of transparent consultation has fueled distrust. Critics argue that the policy disproportionately favors employers and risks reversing many of the gains made in labour rights over recent decades.
In response to the growing uproar, civil society and labour advocacy groups such as the Joint Action Front (JAF) have demanded an immediate review of the policy. They insist that the policy must be realigned to reflect the interests and rights of workers. JAF and other groups have warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to mass protests and further destabilize the industrial sector.
Despite the backlash, employers maintain that the policy is a much-needed reform. They argue that it provides clarity and structure essential for driving long-term economic growth and encourages labour unions to opt for constructive dialogue rather than confrontational approaches.
At the heart of the dispute is a fundamental disagreement about the direction of Nigeria’s labour policy and the role of unions in shaping it. While the government claims that the NIRP is aligned with international labour standards, unions contend that it violates the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and undermines Nigeria’s constitutional labour protections.
As both labour and employers dig in their heels, Nigeria’s industrial sector stands at a crossroads. Without meaningful engagement and a sincere review of the policy, there is a growing risk of escalating tensions that could disrupt economic activities and industrial peace nationwide.
