NLC, industrial court presidents, others advocate enhanced labour justice

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and others have called for a collective effort of all stakeholders to deepen the promotion of labour justice in the country. Speaking at the 2025 annual lecture of the National Industrial Court […]

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and others have called for a collective effort of all stakeholders to deepen the promotion of labour justice in the country.

Speaking at the 2025 annual lecture of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria with the theme: “Labour Justice and Labour Law Education” on Thursday in Abuja, Justice Kanyip called for deeper skills in labour laws because of its significance to the economy.

The president of the court advocated for labour law education in the curriculum, which he said is not compulsory in the universities, while tax law education is optional.

“Labour law education equips workers to understand their rights and responsibilities, which empowers them to challenge violations, access justice mechanisms, and participate effectively in trade unions,” he said.

• Tinubu approves national honours for 959 Nigerians
• BoI to Nigeria, others: Industrialise or remain behind

In his speech, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, bemoaned the struggle of workers to obtain speedy justice while the employers and the government easily obtain restraining injunctions to stop workers from exercising their rights under the law.

Ajaero also called on the executive arm to immediately transmit to the National Assembly the Reviewed Labour Administration Laws for passage into law.

In his keynote address, a professor of law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Ademola Popoola, called for social justice for the working people and as paramount to the survival of any society through economic, political and social issues.

“As we pursue the concept of labour justice, we should do so in the context of human security. The concept of human security is now actually in the forefront of the Constitution,” Prof Popoola said.