By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA – The Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), 2025, in a bid to curtail incessant industrial actions by trade unions. This comes as the government announced the withdrawal of a contentious circular that led to a nationwide strike by health workers and scheduled a meeting with striking nurses for today.
Briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the new policy will guide industrial relations, promote social dialogue, and align Nigerian practices with global standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He noted that the policy is a response to the frequent strikes caused by the lack of a comprehensive national framework, which has often led to parties disregarding existing labor laws.
Meanwhile, the nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), entered its third day. The union has vowed to continue the strike until some of its key demands are met. The National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, stated that mere promises are not enough, insisting on a signed agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before suspending the industrial action. He expressed regret that a recent meeting with the Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, ended in a deadlock due to the absence of key stakeholders.
Speaking on the health sector’s industrial harmony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, confirmed the withdrawal of the circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. He disclosed that negotiations are underway with professional groups like the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and nurses’ unions to resolve issues, which he said are not all financial. Prof. Pate announced that further negotiations are scheduled for today, in line with President Tinubu’s directive for constructive engagement. He also revealed the approval of an Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, as part of the administration’s “revolution in the health sector.”
In a separate development, Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has vowed to resist any attempt by external forces, including government and security agencies, to cause disunity within their ranks. TUC President, Festus Osifo, and NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned government interference in trade union affairs, with Ajaero noting that the ILO is closely monitoring the situation. Ajaero cited past interference in internal union disputes and with Nigerian workers’ funds at NSITF and PenCom, stressing that unions must remain independent.