The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has raised serious concerns about the growing use of court orders to limit workers’ fundamental rights.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Annual Public Lecture of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), themed “Labour Law and Labour Law Education,” Ajaero called on all stakeholders to work together to promote labour justice, strengthen industrial harmony, and advance social justice in the country.
He emphasized that a fair and efficient judicial system was key to maintaining a healthy and productive industrial environment.
“For this to happen, those involved—especially the judiciary—must understand the unique realities of industrial relations, including the mindset, goals, and challenges of both employers and workers,” he said. “That understanding is what ensures fair and balanced judgments.”
Ajaero cautioned that the judiciary must never be used as a tool to silence or suppress workers and their unions, but should instead serve as a shield for the weak and vulnerable against exploitation.
He expressed concern that governments, agencies, and some private employers often seek court injunctions to stop workers from forming or joining unions—rights that are clearly protected by the Nigerian Constitution.
The NLC President also urged the Federal Government to forward the reviewed Labour Administration Laws to the National Assembly for passage, saying the reforms were vital to align Nigeria’s labour system with modern realities and international standards.
“The continued delay is unfair to the labour justice system and a setback for our nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, stressed the need to include labour law education in school curricula so Nigerians can better understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
Justice Kanyip noted that this year’s lecture marked the fourth in the series since he assumed office in 2019. He said the focus on labour law education was crucial because many Nigerians still lack basic knowledge of labour laws—something that undermines fair workplace practices.
“Labour justice and labour law education are closely connected,” he explained. “While labour justice ensures fairness and dignity at work, labour law education helps people understand and apply those principles in real life. This is essential for promoting social justice, fair wages, good working conditions, and respect for human rights.”
Also speaking at the event, Professor Ademola Popoola of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said labour justice should be pursued as part of the broader goal of human security, which is central to Nigeria’s Constitution.
He called for the review of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution to make its provisions enforceable in court, saying this would help strengthen social justice and protect workers’ rights.
Read Also;
Court extends freezing order on Osun LGs’ bank accounts
Popoola further advised workers to explore alternative dispute resolution methods and urged the government to equip the NICN with better capacity to handle the increasing number of labour-related cases.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, created under the Trade Disputes Act of 1976 and recognized in Section 254C of the Constitution, is Nigeria’s main court for handling labour and employment disputes. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in resolving conflicts between trade unions, employers, and government bodies. Experts, however, continue to stress the importance of public awareness of labour laws to reduce conflicts and promote lasting industrial peace.
