The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government, which they believe threatens the right to strike and silences trade unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s focus on industrial strikes, stating that the policy aims to criminalize strikes rather than address the broader range of workplace issues faced by workers. He emphasized that the right to withdraw services is fundamental and protected under the 1999 Constitution and the Trade Unions Act.
Ajaero noted that previous attempts to insert clauses criminalizing strikes were rejected during the policy’s development, highlighting the NLC’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and interests. He assured Nigerian workers that the NLC would remain vigilant in protecting their rights and liberties.
The NLC condemned the new policy, asserting that it undermines the constitutional rights of workers and called for a reconsideration of the government’s approach to industrial relations.
