By Egena Sunday Ode
The Federal Government has approved the implementation of a new National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), a comprehensive framework designed to promote harmonious workplace relations, strengthen labor governance, and reduce industrial disputes across Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the approval on Thursday while briefing newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the Minister, the NIRP serves as a guiding policy document that regulates the conduct of trade unions, employers, employees, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial relations landscape.
“This policy will ensure a seamless workflow, promote social dialogue, and deepen tripartite cooperation among government, employers, and workers,” Idris said.
“It also aligns Nigeria’s industrial practices with international standards, particularly those of the International Labour Organization (ILO).”
He noted that the policy’s approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a stable industrial environment that supports economic growth, productivity, and decent work conditions.
The Minister emphasized that the NIRP is a long-overdue intervention to address the recurring wave of industrial actions in the country, particularly in critical sectors like health and education, many of which stem from the absence of a unified national framework for labor relations.
“Over the years, we have witnessed frequent industrial actions that disrupt public services and economic activities,” Idris said.
“The approval of this policy is a direct response to that challenge and represents a strategic effort to institutionalize mechanisms for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution.”
The Minister explained that the key features of the national industrial relations policy: encourages structured social dialogue between stakeholders, enhances tripartite collaboration involving government, labour, and employers, promotes peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and negotiation, aligns national practices with international labor conventions and best practices and sets a clear roadmap for industrial relations governance and compliance.
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