To help reduce frequent strike actions, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025. This new policy aims to guide how trade unions operate and to improve the relationship between workers and employers.
The decision was made while nurses under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) continue a nationwide strike. The strike is now in its third day, and many workers are unhappy with how labour issues are handled. The government said it has taken back the circular that caused the strike and is planning to meet with the striking nurses and doctors soon.
After the Federal Executive Council meeting led by President Tinubu, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the policy will help control how trade unions work. He explained that past strikes happened because there was no proper policy. The new plan was proposed by the Minister of Labour and Employment and has now been approved.
Idris added that the policy will help share workloads better, improve communication among the government, workers, and employers, and follow international standards from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
He also admitted that current labour laws are not well enforced and that a new policy is needed to improve how these rules are followed.
On the ongoing health workers’ strike, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Alli Pate, said the government has listened to the workers’ complaints. He mentioned that they are now discussing new allowances openly. He also said the strike isn’t only about money but includes other issues like how nurses are posted. The government wants health workers to feel respected and supported.
Prof. Pate also said the government has approved a new cancer treatment centre at University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, showing its strong focus on improving healthcare in Nigeria.
At the same time, leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have spoken out against what they see as government and security agency interference in union affairs. They warned that trying to create problems between the NLC and TUC will not work because both are united in fighting for workers’ rights.
While speaking to members of the Radio, Television and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), TUC Secretary-General, Dr. Nuhu Toro, said that the TUC believes in working together. He stressed that staying united makes their voice stronger. He also mentioned that some employers try to divide unions, but assured members that they will continue to fight for workers’ rights.
NLC President Joe Ajaero also criticised the government for interfering in union matters, saying such actions don’t happen in other countries. He noted that the International Labour Organisation is watching Nigeria’s actions. He reminded the government that trade unions are independent and have their own rules.
Ajaero also condemned government control over union funds like those in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and National Pension Commission (PenCom). He criticised union members who use the police or security to settle personal issues within unions.
NANNM-FHI Chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the ongoing strike will not stop just because the government makes promises. He said nurses want to see real action on their demands before ending the strike. He added that nurses are caring people and don’t enjoy striking, but they have waited too long for their needs to be met.
He explained that they want a Memorandum of Understanding signed before they stop the strike. He also said meetings with government officials have not helped much because key people like the Minister of Health and the Head of Civil Service didn’t attend.
The government still believes that talks can solve the issues and said they will keep engaging with the unions, as directed by President Tinubu.
