The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to urgently revive the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) and ensure the establishment of statutory boards that protect workers’ interests, including the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The NLC made the call in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Benson Upah after the leadership received the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, at its National Headquarters in Abuja.
The NLC said the meeting with the Minister was aimed at strengthening the relationship between organised labour and the Federal Government, adding that there should be more constructive and peaceful approach to industrial relations practice.
According to the Labour the increasing use of force and violence in addressing labour disputes must be discontinued.
“We strongly urged the Minister to work towards ensuring that industrial relations engagements in Nigeria adhere strictly to internationally accepted best practices and respect for social dialogue.
The NLC also expressed concerns over the growing hardship facing Nigerian workers, particularly the alarming rise in cases of the working poor and the widespread decent work deficits across various sectors of the economy.
The Labour, in the statement, called for immediate policy interventions to address these challenges and guarantee better working conditions, fair wages, and social protections for all workers in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, it stressed the importance of restoring sanity to the nation’s industrial relations climate by ensuring that all social partners – government, employers, and trade unions – adhere to the established rules of engagement.
“The NLC believes that a fair and transparent labour administration system, where dialogue and negotiation take precedence over repression and coercion, will create a more stable and productive economy.”
The Minister reassured the NLC of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering industrial peace and harmony in the country.
He commended the Congress for maintaining stability in the labour sector and reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with labour organisations in a mutually respectful and constructive manner.
