A high-level dialogue convened by The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Labour and Arbitration Forum (ILAF) warned that systemic delays, weak enforcement of rulings, and outdated labour legislation pose significant risks to industrial harmony in Nigeria. The forum, held on Thursday under the theme “Access to Labour Justice in a Rapidly Changing World of Work,” addressed these challenges as the nature of employment evolves due to technology and globalisation.
The event gathered representatives from the judiciary, legislature, executive, security agencies, organised labour, academia, and diplomatic missions. A keynote address by Ministro Lelio Bentes Corrêa of Brazil’s Superior Labour Court highlighted the necessity for specialised labour adjudication systems to adapt. He stressed that digitalisation, platform work, and artificial intelligence demand that labour courts continuously update procedures and technology use, while remaining grounded in international labour standards and principles of fairness.
President of NECA, Mr Ifeanyi Okoye, underscored that access to legal justice is a necessity for social stability and economic growth, not a luxury. However, he argued that prevention must be the primary strategy, advocating for robust human resource practices and social dialogue to resolve issues before they escalate into formal disputes. He noted that Nigeria’s historical framework of collective bargaining has successfully reduced conflicts, but confidence in formal arbitration and adjudication remains critical when prevention fails.
The Head of the Civil Service, represented by the Director of Legal Services, stated that access to justice begins within institutions, citing internal grievance mechanisms and HR reforms within the public service. Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, confirmed that the National Assembly is reviewing labour laws to address the informal sector and technology-driven employment, seeking coherent and enforceable legislation.
The Director General of the Department of State Services, represented by Mr Patrick Ikenweiwe, linked unresolved workplace grievances to national security, warning they can fuel social unrest. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to rights-based engagement on labour issues. Professor Abubakar Sulaiman of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies called for evidence-based lawmaking that prioritises vulnerable workers, while Isa Aremu of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies emphasised that knowledge of rights and processes is fundamental to accessing justice.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s implementation of core conventions and the Decent Work Agenda, urging stronger tripartite collaboration. The Industrial Arbitration Panel advocated for greater use of mediation and conciliation to expedite resolutions and avoid prolonged strikes. Representing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Eyitope Osinowo connected labour compliance with economic competitiveness, noting it attracts investment and supports integration into global value chains.
Nigeria’s primary labour dispute resolution bodies are the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) and the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP). Stakeholders have consistently raised concerns over case backlogs, enforcement gaps, and the vast informal sector, which comprises a large portion of the workforce. Participants agreed that as Nigeria pursues economic diversification and increased investment, strengthening these institutions—through legislative reform, efficient procedures, and enhanced social dialogue—is essential to ensure fair, timely, and affordable access to labour justice for all workers and employers.
