NECA wants FG to protect workers with speedy labour law reforms

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the passage of the revised labour laws and revamp the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) to effectively protect Nigerian workers.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum in Abuja, Ifeanyi Okoye, NECA President, stressed on the urgent need for reformed labour laws to provide a clearer, fairer, and more structured framework for employers, employees, and all stakeholders

Okoye stressed the critical role of labour adjudication in fostering industrial harmony and economic growth. He said, an efficient dispute resolution system is essential in protecting workers’ rights, maintaining employer-employee balance, and ensuring a fair labour market.

Read also: Labour law review: Why Reps should   align with social partners- NECA

He also called for the revitalization of the National Labour Advisory Council, noting that its role in fostering dialogue among social partners is indispensable to the sustainability of industrial peace and economic development.

Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) raised concerns over potential threats to workers’ rights and industrial harmony in the country, particularly regarding the proposed inclusion of labour on the concurrent legislative list.

Read also: Redundancy procedure under Nigerian Labour Law

The NLC President lamented that such a move could have dire consequences for industrial relations and workers’ welfare. He noted that the implementation of a uniform minimum wage remains a major challenge, with some subnational governments reluctant to pay the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage.

He warned that disparities in wages across different states could lead to the erosion of workers’ rights.

“If someone in Adamawa is earning ₦20,000 while another in Abuja earns ₦50,000, are they receiving different levels of rights? The minimum wage is a benchmark that should be upheld nationwide,” he stated.

Ajaero, also expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in the review of labour laws, stressing that delays in concluding critical reforms could render them obsolete. He called on relevant authorities to expedite the process to safeguard workers’ interests.

He criticised the current state of industrial arbitration, arguing that many workers cannot afford legal representation, leading to prolonged delays in resolving disputes.

“If a worker cannot afford a lawyer, their case remains unheard, and some even lose their lives waiting for justice,” he lamented.

He further condemned employers who restrict workers’ rights to unionize, describing it as a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

Read also: Labour Laws Matter: A safeguard for employees and society

Ajaero, urged the NECA to support fair labour practices, pointing out that only a fraction of Nigerian employers operate under its framework, leaving many workers vulnerable to unfair policies.

Pamela Azinge, Chairman of the Industrial Arbitration Panel, in her goodwill message, stressed on the importance of leveraging technology to enhance labour dispute resolution.

She advocated for online dispute resolution mechanisms, professional development for adjudicators, and clearer, more consistent labour laws to ensure swift and fair outcomes.