NLC Urges Compliance with ICJ Ruling on Workers' Rights

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for full compliance with a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that affirms workers' rights to embark on strike actions. NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized comments made by Adewale Smatt Oyerind, the Director General of the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), during a TVC interview, where he argued that the right to strike is not automatically exercised within the provisions of Nigeria's labor law, particularly Section 43 of the Trade Disputes Act.

Ajaero described Oyerind's remarks as unnecessary and an attempt to undermine the established legal position set by the ICJ. He emphasized that the right to strike is a fundamental principle of law and should not be selectively interpreted.

Ajaero maintained that strike action should be considered a last resort when dialogue and negotiation fail, countering Oyerind's assertion that it is the first option for workers.