In a move to address recurring industrial actions by trade unions, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025 to regulate labour relations and reduce strikes nationwide.
The decision was announced on Wednesday following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the policy aims to foster harmony between employers and employees, bringing Nigeria’s industrial relations standards in line with international best practices.
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 dialog and tripatite 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.”
Addressing the state of industrial harmony in the health sector, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, noted concerns raised by professional groups over a recent circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, which has since been withdrawn.
“We’re now in the process of negotiating revised allowances transparently,” he said, revealing that active discussions are ongoing with key associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA and nurses’ unions.
He added, “Not all issues are financial; we are also resolving establishment matters like the centralisation of nurses’ postings. The government is committed to ensuring that health workers are respected and supported.”
Further negotiations with union leaders are scheduled for today, in line with President Tinubu’s directive to maintain constructive engagement for lasting peace.
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