FG to review labour laws, implement occupational safety standards
By Ndukaku Ihe
The Federal Government has pledged to review outdated labour laws, implement occupational safety standards, promote gender equity and youth employment, and support union-led investment initiatives.
Minister of Labour, Maigari Dingyadi, made the promises at the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference, organised by the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), yesterday, in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was: ‘Building Trade Union’s Future through Strategic Organising and Investment.’
Dingyadi, represented by the Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, in the ministry, Amos Falonipe, said: “Let me also reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to social dialogue and inclusive development in our industrial relations space.
“We recognise trade unions as strategic partners in achieving decent work, industrial peace, and economic resilience. Our collaboration must be rooted in mutual respect, transparency, and shared purpose.
“On our part as a government, we will continue to engage with unions such as yours on key issues such as:
Review of outdated labour laws, implementation of occupational safety standards, promotion of gender equity and youth employment in the sector, and support for union-led investment initiatives.
“As you prepare to exercise your democratic rights in electing new leadership for your Union, I urge you to approach this sacred responsibility with the utmost integrity, unity, and foresight bearing in mind that trade union elections are not merely procedural but are foundational to the strength, credibility, and future of the labour movement.”
On his part, President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, tasked NUCECFWW, to address building collapse in the country.
Ajaero frowned at the government moves
to amend the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF) Act to allow the government to control a fund that entirely belongs to workers, after diverting 40% of workers’ contributions.
He claimed that: “This is nothing less than an attempt to steal our hard-earned money under the guise of law. In the midst of this present circumstance, we must remain vigilant, mobilise, and work together to see off this insidious attempt. This is a struggle for our collective future.”
On his part, NUCECFWW President, Stephen Okoro, tasked his members to stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world of work-shaped by technological advances, economic shifts and changing labour laws.
Okoro said to secure the future, unions must expand their reach by engaging workers in both the formal and informal sectors, especially in underrepresented industries like technology, agriculture and small scale enterprises.
“This requires adopting innovative outreach methods – including digital tools, youth focused campaigns and community based efforts to educate workers on their rights and power of collective action.
“Moreover, strategic organising also means nurturing leadership at the grassroots level and promoting inclusiveness. Women, youth and marginalised workers must be actively involved in union leadership and decision making processes.
“When every voice is heard, unions become stronger, more unified and more responsive to the needs of all members. Unions must strive to ensure that employments of casual employees are regularised in line with labour laws to boost membership and services,” he added.
