SEAWUN Warns of Industrial Unrest Over Unimplemented Deals

The Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEAWUN) issued a warning regarding potential industrial unrest due to the government's and employers' failure to implement negotiated agreements. This statement was made by President-General Oyabugbe Sunday during SEAWUN’s 2026 Annual Industrial Relations Conference at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The conference, themed “Collective Bargaining, Strikes and the Quest for Industrial Peace in Nigeria,” focused on labor relations challenges, particularly the implementation of collective bargaining agreements. Oyabugbe stressed the importance of effective bargaining and engagement among government, employers, and workers to prevent disputes.

He raised concerns about economic pressures on workers, citing inflation and rising costs. SEAWUN has negotiated a ₦40,000 salary increase under the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement and is preparing for further negotiations.

The union also secured a restructuring of gratuity arrangements for Jubaili Bros Engineering Limited and initiated discussions with Cummins West Africa regarding job protections amid ownership changes. Additionally, Oyabugbe called for political support for candidates focused on workers' welfare.