The Nigeria Labour Congress has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s newly approved National Industrial Relations Policy, calling it a veiled attempt to criminalise strike actions and suppress trade union activities.

In a statement to the media, NLC President Joseph Ajaero faulted the government’s emphasis on curbing industrial actions, particularly strikes, as highlighted in the communiqué released after the Federal Executive Council meeting held on July 31, 2025.

The policy, adopted during the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, is intended to regulate trade union operations and minimise industrial disputes nationwide.

However, the NLC maintains that the move threatens workers’ rights and undermines the role of organised labour in protecting employee welfare.

The policy, rather than addressing the wide range of workplace issues captured in the industrial relations framework, has chosen to single out strikes as a national concern. The labour body said the government’s posture exposes the mindset of those elected to protect the interests of the ordinary citizen, including workers.

“The right of a worker and trade unions to withdraw their services is fundamental and inalienable,” Ajaero said. “That a government is celebrating the clandestine insertion of such a toxic clause in a National Industrial Relations Policy reveals the depth of mischief that some people in government can sink just to feed their fantasy on chains and whips.

“There are personalities in the corridors of power who want to enjoy the fruits of constitutional governance and, at the same time, reject the principles of constitutionality, the rule of law, and respect for international labour standards,” the union stated.