Benue State University, Makurdi

Trade Union Laws and Labour Relations in Nigeria: A Critical Examination

Emmanuel Ayangearumun Kenen

Abstract

Trade unions in Nigeria, no doubt, play essential roles in promoting industrial peace and harmony. They act as buffers in maintaining equilibrium in the bargaining powers between employers and workers. Without trade unions, employers’ natural exploitative tendencies of employees will be heightened without any hindrance. Given the importance attached to trade unions in fostering industrial peace and harmony, the laws relating to trade unions in Nigeria should be such that registered trade unions are not only compulsorily recognized by employers but adequately equipped to maintain an equilibrium in the bargaining process with a view to promoting industrial peace and harmony. Adopting the doctrinal methodology of research, this Article examined the Nigerian Trade Union Laws and found that even though, there is no express provision in the Nigerian Trade Union Laws currently requiring employers to compulsorily recognize a registered trade union, in practice, the National Industrial Court (hereinafter referred to as NIC) has, in several decisions, held that recognition of a registered trade union by an employer is obligatory. Even though this position by NIC is salutary, it is recommended that there should be further amendment to the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act, 2005 by providing express provisions in that regard thereby backing up the position of NIC with statutory provisions.

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