Participants at a one-day workshop on Thursday in Abuja, Validated the Draft National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, said that the journey that commenced years ago aimed at nipping in the bud possible industrial crisis and regulating the conduct of the actors in the industry.
The minister, who was represented by the director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr John Nyamali, said the draft was developed through “extensive collaboration, guided by robust research work and experiences of labour experts.”
The document also aims at creating a clear and coherent framework that will effectively balance the rights and responsibilities of all employers, unions and government agencies in line with global practices.
“Let me on behalf of my Ministry extend our profound appreciation to members of the Tripartite Technical Working Group (TTWG) and all Stakeholders for their unwavering efforts towards achieving this feat which we are celebrating today.”
While commending those who he said worked tirelessly in ensuring the birth of the Draft Policy, Dingyadi said the draft will open a new chapter in the nation’s approach to handling industrial relations.
The Ministry he said in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice will ensure that the policy document is forwarded to the appropriate government bodies for final legislatives exercise as required by law.
“It is worthy to note that the processes of drafting this policy went through a wide consultation involving social partners from across the six geo-political zones of the nation where inputs of relevant Stakeholders were harvested culminating in the initial draft and then several other engagements leading to this final draft.
“Our gathering today therefore is to reaffirm our dedication tó building a future embedded in mutual respect, trust and shared values in our attempt to ensure that all voices are heard and all concerns relating to industrial relations practice in Nigeria are captured.
“To those who contributed in one way or the other even financially like the International Labour Organization (ILO) accept my heartfelt gratitude.
“To the representatives of our tripartite who made out time at different times to attend and provided valuable inputs, recommendations, suggestions and observations namely; the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), I say thank you and may the almighty God reward your efforts,” the minister said.
He expressed the hope that the development of the policy will further strengthen cordial relationships between his ministry and the various labour unions as well as employers in our conduct of industrial relations practice.
Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Ms. Vanessa Phala, the workshop aims to validate the National Industrial Relations Policy, a comprehensive framework designed to address the evolving challenges in the labour market and to promote sustainable economic growth.
She stressed that industrial relations play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of any nation.
“Effective industrial relations policies contribute to economic stability, social justice, and the overall well-being of workers and employers alike.
“By fostering a climate of mutual respect and cooperation, we can ensure that both employees and employers thrive.
“In an increasingly globalized world, it is imperative that national policies align with International Labour Standards and best practices.
“This ensures that Nigeria remains competitive and attractive to both domestic and foreign investments,” she said.
She added that the impact of global economic shifts, technological advancements, and demographic changes on Nigeria’s labour market must also be considered.
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The National Industrial Relations policy emphasizes the importance of social dialogue as a means to resolving conflicts and building consensus among stakeholders.
“This includes regular consultations and negotiations between the government, employers, and trade unions while social dialogue is not just a tool for conflict resolution but a cornerstone for building trust and cooperation.
“Ensuring the protection of workers’ rights is at the core of this policy; This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining.
“We must also address issues such as gender equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable workers,” she said.
The policy also outlines strategies to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the labor market which include skills development, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies.
For large enterprises, the policy focuses on enhancing formal mechanisms for dispute resolution, promoting collective bargaining, and ensuring compliance with labour standards.
Small businesses are not left out in the draft policy, according to Ms. Phala.
“For small production units, the policy emphasizes the need for simplified regulatory frameworks, access to training and capacity-building programs, and support for informal workers.
“By addressing the specific needs of small enterprises, the aim is to integrate them more effectively into the formal economy and enhance their contribution to national development.”
She pledged that the International Labour Organization remains committed to supporting Nigeria in its journey towards achieving decent work for all.
First Deputy President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim-Okon, in his address, said the Draft Policy is fundamental as it is a document coming to “the rescue of workers.
“One thing is to validate a policy, and another thing is to implement the policy. We’ve several policies of government that are lying waste on the shelf without implementation.
“I think we also need to look at the issue of sensitisation if we really want the policy to come to fruition; I also want to solitude the commitment of the trade union services.
“Today I’m seeing that there’s already a concept of 5 years implementation plan but we need to take into consideration the probation period, so I think the five years is too large a number, but then we want to accept that one year gestation period for this policy to see how we can create awareness, how we can effectively carry out effective communication,” he said.
He said that the efficacy of the policy is for the government to partner with other stakeholders and to come out with the agenda of the present administration, which is the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that any policy that stands on a faulty foundation can never fly.
“We at the Trade Union Congress we are very conscious about the implementation of this policy because it’s gonna solve three front things where we talk about the energy, which is the skills of the workers, where we are talking about the economy of the country is very important and where we also going to talk about the environment because you may have a policy without a good condition where you talk about the environment.
“Where you’ve a policy that didn’t align with the Skills of the workers how then you talk about the development of the economy, how then do you talk about productivity, competitiveness, and international ranking? These are very germain.
“You may have a very good policy without addressing these fundamentals it’d look as if we’re creating policies without going anywhere,” Dr Etim-Okon said.
He assured that the TUC endorsed the policy and its content, and “we are going to partner very seriously to ensure the implementation of this policy.
The development of National Industrial Relation Policy (NIRP) was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Department of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations in collaboration with our social partners, the two Labour Centers (NLC) and (TUC) and the Employers Association (NECA).
This policy when implemented, will help to reshape Nigeria’s industrial relations setting as it will help in stemming down the cases of incessant strike actions, defining the roles of stakeholders, and doing things in line with international best practices, among others.
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