The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s use of the National Industrial Relations Policy to restrict strike actions, warning that such measures are unconstitutional and threaten workers’ rights.
The criticism follows a government statement after the 31 July 2025 FEC meeting, which presented the policy as a means to reduce industrial actions. The NLC, through a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the focus on strikes reveals a disturbing anti-labour bias.
Ajaero recalled that earlier drafts of the policy included clauses seeking to criminalise strike actions, which were widely rejected by unions, employers, and Labour Ministry officials. He described any clause suppressing strike rights as “toxic” and inferior to both Nigeria’s Constitution and the Trade Unions Act.
The NLC reaffirmed that the right to strike is fundamental and vowed to resist any policy that attempts to infringe on it. It also promised Nigerian workers continued vigilance in defending constitutional and international labour rights.
