The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has inaugurated the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) to curb strikes and promote industrial peace in the country.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said this while inaugurating the policy yesterday in Abuja. The policy document was also signed by the tripartite partners.

Dingyadi described the policy as Nigeria’s first comprehensive framework for strengthening industrial harmony, decent work and inclusive economic growth.

According to him, the policy became necessary because Nigeria’s industrial relations system lacked a unified framework despite existing labour laws and conventions.

“Unresolved work place disputes often escalate unnecessarily, while collective bargaining sometimes becomes confrontational instead of collaborative.

“The policy provides the compass needed to manage workplace relations amid technological changes, insecurity and the growing demand for job-rich economic growth,” he said.

The minister said the policy rests on three pillars: social dialogue, rights at work, and productivity and competitiveness. He explained that government, employers and workers would operate as equal partners through strengthened labour advisory and sectoral councils.

Dingyadi said the policy reaffirmed workers’ rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining and elimination of forced labour, child labour and discrimination.