Mohammed IdrisNew National Industrial Relations Policy aims to end recurring industrial unrest, but health services and universities reel under ongoing labour actions.
Amid crippling strikes in Nigeria’s health and education sectors, the Federal Government has introduced a comprehensive National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), aimed at establishing a structured and predictable framework for managing labour disputes and promoting stable workplace relations nationwide.
Announced after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, the NIRP is expected to reshape how trade unions, employers, and government agencies engage on issues of negotiation, conflict resolution, and collective bargaining.
Speaking to journalists, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the policy as a “major step forward” in aligning Nigeria’s labour system with international standards, particularly those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“This policy elevates industrial relations as a national priority, deserving of urgent and continuous attention,” Idris stated. “It will serve as a reference point for labour laws, union engagement, and conflict resolution in both the public and private sectors.”
The move comes at a turbulent time for Nigeria’s workforce. Since Wednesday, public hospitals across the country have been severely affected by a nationwide seven-day warning strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). The strike followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the federal government over unmet demands.
In Lagos, the situation was worsened by a concurrent three-day warning strike by doctors under the Medical Guild, protesting salary deductions. Investigations at public health facilities in Abuja and Lagos showed widespread disruptions: outpatient units shut down, appointments cancelled, and patients turned away.
The education sector is also on edge. Earlier this month, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) instructed members in unpaid branches to stay off work, warning of a possible nationwide strike if wage delays continue. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, referenced the new policy when announcing a government plan to end repeated strikes in universities and other institutions.
This year alone has witnessed sector-wide unrest—aviation workers, judiciary staff, and healthcare professionals have all downed tools over wage issues, non-implementation of agreements, and unresolved disputes. Although some unions have returned to work, many have done so conditionally, pending the outcome of negotiations.
According to the government, the NIRP will foster tripartite cooperation between employers, workers, and the state, aiming to boost productivity, ensure smoother workplace operations, and improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s labour environment.
While the success of the policy remains to be seen, especially in the face of ongoing industrial actions, officials are optimistic it could be the turning point in ending Nigeria’s longstanding cycle of strikes and labour disputes.
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