The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025 to curb frequent strikes and promote workplace harmony, as announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on July 31, 2025, in Abuja. The policy, designed to regulate trade union activities and align Nigeria’s labor practices with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, aims to foster cooperation among government, employers, and workers to minimize industrial actions. Idris highlighted that the NIRP addresses long-standing gaps in labor relations, noting, “Frequent strikes stem from the lack of a comprehensive national policy”. The policy emphasizes structured dialogue and tripartite cooperation to ensure a seamless workflow.
The NIRP’s approval comes amid ongoing labor tensions, including a recent warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which was called off on August 1 after the government withdrew a contentious wage circular. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed ongoing negotiations with health workers to resolve non-financial issues like centralized nurse postings. The policy is expected to guide stakeholders in resolving disputes proactively, though critics argue its success hinges on consistent enforcement, given past failures to implement labor laws effectively.
