The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected the recently adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the federal government, accusing it of attempting to criminalise strikes and undermine workers’ fundamental rights.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep concern over the government’s justification that the policy aims to reduce frequent industrial actions by trade unions. He cautioned that the policy could effectively silence organised labour and erode constitutional protections afforded to workers.
The federal government announced the adoption of the policy following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on July 31, 2025.
“We are alarmed that, among the many issues addressed in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the government has chosen to focus primarily on industrial strikes,” Ajaero said. “This reveals a troubling mindset among those responsible for safeguarding the rights of ordinary Nigerians, including workers.”
Ajaero recalled that during the policy’s drafting, there were attempts to include clauses that would criminalise strike actions. These proposals were previously rejected by trade unions, employers, and the Federal Ministry of Labour for being inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and the Trade Unions Act.
He emphasized that the right of workers and trade unions to withdraw their services is both “fundamental and inalienable,” and any policy that seeks to undermine this right is subordinate to existing legal frameworks.
“The NLC and organised labour in Nigeria categorically reject this new industrial relations framework,” Ajaero stated, assuring workers that the Congress remains vigilant in defending their rights and freedoms. He further noted that these rights are protected not only by Nigerian law but also by international labour standards to which Nigeria is a signatory.
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