Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has, between 2010 and 2014 initiated and implemented proactive policies and programmes which have enhanced the development of the Labour Sector in line with international best practices and the lofty objectives of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Administration.
Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, stated this in Abuja today while performing the public presentation of the books: “Compendium of Nigerian Labour Laws and Other Related Laws” and “Guidelines on Labour Laws in Nigeria”.
The Minister noted that the newly unveiled books were a must read for all organizations in the country, stressing that the publications contained valuable information that would make it easier for experts and other readers to apply the provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws efficiently for conflict resolution, productivity improvement and socio-economic development.
He added that the books being unveiled provided all parties involved in investment decision-making with relevant labour market information and guidance on the labour laws operational in the country.
Chief Wogu pointed out that the Labour Ministry’s commitment to professional service delivery has transformed the Labour Sector with the production of such policies as HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy; Child Labour Policy; National Productivity Policy; Local Employment Contents Guidelines; Guidelines on the Oil and Gas Sector; Contract Staffing Policy and Regulation on the Use of Elevators and Escalators with Guidelines.
“Furthermore, our National Policy on Labour Migration has been submitted to the Council Secretariat while National Entrepreneurship, Skills Development and Social Security Policies are at different stages of development”, he stated, adding that the National Employment Policy was being updated with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The Minister observed that the publication of the books which was the outcome of public private partnership between the Ministry and Messrs Facts and Figures, was a further testament of the Ministry’s commitment to excellence and improved labour administration system.
According to him, as Nigeria attracts investments as one of the leading economies of the world and the largest economy in Africa, it was vital to equally develop and maintain a professional and productive labour force that meets the needs of investors and the labour market.
The Minister who identified issues of inequity, poor training and unfair labour practices in the workplace as the cause of industrial unrest, underscored the need for employee education and empowerment as essential for the development of a well informed workforce and reduction of the rate of occurrence of industrial disputes in Nigeria yearly.
He recommended the reading of the books as necessary for workers, employers, political office holders, business owners and government functionaries.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Clement Illoh, noted that the publications have potential to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding of labour relations in Nigeria, considering that the recurrence of strikes, lock-outs and picketing was largely due to ignorance of relevant labour laws on the part of employers and employees.
“Labour laws mediate the relationship between workers, employers, trade unions and the government. In recent years, labour issues are very sensitive and affect every aspect of the economy. The present compilation underscores the importance of understanding the legal framework on employer/employee relationship”, he stated.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in a goodwill message by its representative, Comrade Benson Upah, remarked that the publications were “an invaluable contribution to the knowledge, study and practice” of labour law in Nigeria.
In the goodwill message of International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Director of ILO Country Office for Nigeria and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Ms. Sina Chuma-Mkandawire, represented by Mrs. Chinyere Anuna, said the publications should be made available on the Nigerian Government’s official website to enhance awareness at national and international levels.
The ILO Director also recommended that international labour conventions ratified by Nigeria, other regulations like Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies and draft bills before the National Assembly should be incorporated into the Compendium of Labour Laws to further enrich it as “a reference point for national labour laws, international labour laws and other related laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
