NECA Seeks Effective Adjudication Process In Resolving Industrial Disputes

ABUJA – The Nigeria Employers Consul­tative Association (NECA) has advocated the need for fair and effective adjudication processes in resolving industrial disputes, especially at the appellate court.

President of NECA, Dr. If­eanyi Okoye, made the call, while welcoming delegates to the 3rd Annual Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum in Abu­ja, on Thursday, with the theme, ‘Labour Adjudication and Appel­late Jurisdiction: Challenges and Prospects’.

He acknowledged the chal­lenges associated with indus­trial disputes resolutions in Nigeria, stressing that labour relation is increasingly becom­ing complex.

He underscored the role of a strong appellate system in up­holding justice and maintaining industrial harmony, stressing that adjudication process is the foundation of industrial justice.

According to him, the system ought to have improved to the point where disputes between employers and employees are resolved with fairness and equity.

According to Okoye, the appel­late jurisdiction should provide an avenue for reviewing and re­fining judicial decisions, reinforc­ing trust in our legal framework.

He said, “A well-structured and independent adjudication system is essential for industrial peace and economic growth. The ability of our courts and arbitra­tion mechanisms to deliver swift, impartial, and fair decisions is key to building trust between employers and employees.

“It is our collective duty, as so­cial partners, to ensure that these institutions remain credible, ef­fective, and adaptable to modern labour realities. In this regard, I appeal to all relevant authorities to expedite the passage of the re­viewed labour laws, ensuring that they reflect current realities and global best practices.

“I urge that the National Labour Advisory Council be re­suscitated and remain active, as its role in fostering constructive engagement among social part­ners is invaluable in promoting industrial harmony and sustain­able economic development”.

Chairman, Industrial Arbi­tration Panel, Pamela Azinge, acknowledged that an efficient and equitable labour adjudica­tion system will help in fostering industrial harmony which will advertently stimulate economic growth, and ensure social stabil­ity within our nation.

Gilbert Houngbo, the Interna­tional Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General, underscored the fact that labour conflict resolu­tion was crucial in fostering eco­nomic growth and social stability.

Houngbo advocated a shift from the concept of a minimum wage to a living wage, that can allow workers afford their basic needs.

He acknowledged the Federal Government’s effort in raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, while calling for poli­cies centered on job creation and decent work.

According to him, “It is ab­solutely unacceptable that a cit­izen would be working 50 hours a week, 60 hours a week, across the world, not only in Nigeria, yet not being able to respond to the basic needs.

On his part, Minister of La­bour and Employment, Muham­madu Dingyadi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring harmonious labour relations through continuous dialogue.

Dingyadi commended the fo­rum’s organisers for fostering dis­cussions on education, dialogue, and dispute resolution.

He assured all of the govern­ment’s readiness to address la­bour concerns, including ongo­ing negotiations with JOHESU to prevent industrial actions.

“I want to assure Nigerians that, as a government under the leadership of our President, we are fully committed to listening to our workers, engaging with them, and working together as a team to achieve the economic development of our dear country.

“To achieve this, we must car­ry everyone along, foster mutual understanding, and reach agree­ments on all the issues before us,” he said.