The Federal Government has approved a fresh National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) to manage trade union activities and reduce frequent strikes across the country.
Announcing this after Thursday, July 31, Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the 2025 NIRP aims to bring lasting order to industrial relations.
“This policy is essential for regulating the conduct of the various trade unions within the industrial relations space in the country,” Idris said. “This is due to frequent industrial actions over the years caused by the lack of a comprehensive national policy.”
He added that the document was proposed by the Minister of Labour and Employment to encourage a smooth workload, strengthen dialogue among employers, government, and workers, and align Nigeria’s labour practices with global standards.
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While stressing that previous laws fell short in implementation, he noted, “Many provisions in the laws are often disregarded by the parties involved, hence the need for a comprehensive national policy.”
On health sector disputes, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government had withdrawn the controversial circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, which triggered the ongoing nurses’ strike.
“We’re now in the process of negotiating revised allowances transparently,” Pate stated. “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.”
He added that further talks with the Nigerian Medical Association and nurses’ unions are scheduled for today, following the President’s directive for continued dialogue to resolve the strike.