By Wilfred Sawa
Minister calls for improved dispute resolution at 2nd National Labour Adjudication, Arbitration Forum
The Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has offered a glowing endorsement of the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s commitment to serving the best interests of Nigerian workers.
Justice Fagbemi gave the commendation Tuesday at the 2nd National Labour Adjudication & Arbitration Forum, organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) with the theme: “Strengthening Tripatism and Social Dialogue (Including Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism) for Sustainable Industrial Relations System in Nigeria”.
The event was organised to explore better alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the context of government-labour relations, with the ultimate goal of aligning such mechanisms with established international best practices.
In his goodwill message at the event, the AGF said successful negotiations require flexibility and a willingness to make concessions in exchange for progress.
He said: “When you are on the table for negotiation and when something has been given to you, you should also be willing to give too. Because negotiation is give and take”.
“Thank God, the mother of Labour, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Barr. Onyejeocha) is here today. She is very passionate about Nigerian workers. You are lucky to have herher.
“The President Tinubu’s administration is determined to promoting good industrial relationship with the Nigerian workers.
“The government also believe that alternative dispute resolution mechanism, through the doctrine of social dialogue and tripartism is key to economic stability and developments”, noted the AGF who adadvised trade unions to be willing to loosen their grip on their ideal outcome to grasp a mutually beneficial solution.
On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasised the importance of resolving conflicts fairly and efficiently, urging action on improving dispute resolution methods in Nigeria.
In her goodwill message at the event, the minister lauded NECA’s initiative for fostering discussion on critical labour issues and also appreciated the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN)’s contributions to improving dispute resolution mechanisms.
She praised Justice Benedict Kanyip, NICN President, for his leadership and expertise.
Highlighting the theme’s alignment with current industrial relations practices and ILO principles, she encouraged participants to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions. She further expressed hope that the forum will catalyze positive change in adjudication and arbitration.
The event which witnessed gathering of prominent figures in both the public and private sector, marked the unveiling of a new book titled “Labour Adjudication In Nigeria, the Present and Future,” authored by Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip.
Those at the event include: Senator George Akume, SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, CON, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN., Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Hon. Justice B.B Kanyip, President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban Mensem, President, Court of Appeal, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajearo, and Senator. Diket Plang, Chairman Senate Committee on labour and Employment.
Others are Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, President, NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN. President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ismail Abubakar, Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Barr. Pamela Azinge, Chairman, Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Dr. Issa Aremu, DG, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies and a host of others.
