In a move aimed at curbing recurring industrial actions by trade unions, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025. The policy, according to officials, is designed to regulate the conduct of trade unions and promote harmonious relations between employers and employees.
The development comes amid a nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), now in its third day, and growing dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s labour landscape. The government has confirmed that the contentious circular which triggered the recent health workers’ strike has been withdrawn, and it is scheduled to meet with the striking nurses and doctors today.
Briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, 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.”
He added that the policy would “ensure a seamless workload, promote social dialogue and tripartite 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 (ILO).”
Idris acknowledged that existing industrial laws were not effectively implemented and stressed the need for a new national policy to enhance compliance and accountability.
Speaking on efforts to restore harmony in the health sector, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, confirmed that concerns raised by professional groups have been acknowledged and addressed. “We’re now in the process of negotiating revised allowances transparently,” he said. “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.”
Prof. Pate also announced the approval of an Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, noting that the administration is committed to a health sector revolution.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned what they describe as persistent interference by government and security agencies in trade union activities. The unions warned against attempts to cause a rift between the NLC and TUC to weaken their joint advocacy for workers' welfare.
Speaking while receiving the new leadership of the Radio, Television and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), TUC President Festus Osifo, represented by TUC Secretary-General Dr. Nuhu Toro, said: “The TUC believes in solidarity. We believe in collective action, and we are confident that together, we can amplify our voices and strengthen our advocacy for justice, equity and improve welfare for all workers in Nigeria. We are aware that sometimes management and employers try to divide our ranks, which you captured as divide and rule. We are not also ignorant of those tactics, but I would like to assure you that together, we can surmount all of those challenges and ensure that we get value for our working people.”
Also addressing the issue, NLC President Joe Ajaero said: “It is unheard of in other parts of the world where government interfere in the internal affairs of trade unions.” He noted that the International Labour Organisation is closely monitoring the Nigerian government’s actions, reminding authorities that trade unions are independent and governed by internal rules as stipulated by international labour standards.
Ajaero criticized government involvement in union funds, particularly regarding the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the National Pension Commission (PenCom). He also condemned union members who involve security agencies in internal disputes for personal gain.
On the ongoing strike, NANNM-FHI National Chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, reaffirmed that the strike will not be suspended based on promises alone. “That is what the government will definitely ask for, that we should suspend the strike, so, they can look at our demands. We are not comfortable with that. We have to make sure that parts of the demand are attended to before we can suspend the strike at all,” he said.
“It’s not actually in the nurses’ attitude to embark on a strike, and we have been patient enough because we are compassionate. Nurses are empathetic with their patients; we love our patients and don’t want anything to happen to them. But we waited for a long time for all these demands to be met. So, this strike happens to be the last option we have to get the government’s attention.”
He stressed the need for a Memorandum of Understanding before any suspension can be considered, and expressed regret that recent meetings with government representatives have ended inconclusively due to the absence of key stakeholders, including the Minister of Health and the Head of Civil Service.
The government, however, maintains that the issues can be resolved through negotiation and reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the unions as directed by President Tinubu.
