The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have warned that the Federal Government must make conscious efforts to deepen labour justice and guarantee industrial peace.

Speaking at the NECA’s 4th International Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum (I-LAAF) in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero alleged that labour justice in Nigeria bends towards employers, including the government.

While urging the judiciary to defend defenceless workers against systemic power imbalances, Ajaero debunked the popular belief that labour justice is neutral and universal.

“In a rapidly changing world of work increasingly defined by exploitation, precarious gigs and union-busting, the very concept of justice is in contestation. In nations like ours, labour justice sadly bends towards the employers, whether public or private,” he said.

The NLC chief declared that labour justice is not a benevolent concession from employers or the ruling elite but a right won through struggle.

Ajaero, who applauded the theme of the conference ‘Access to Labour Justice in a Rapidly Changing World of Work’, urged NECA to ensure that its members educate themselves and their employees on labour rights, insisting that ignorance remains a major barrier to justice.

Turning his attention to the judiciary, Ajaero charged the arbitrators to recognise the inherent imbalance between individual workers and large corporations.

Aligning with Ajaero’s position, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, declared that access to labour justice remains fundamental to industrial harmony, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth.

Dingyadi noted that in a world shaped by technological disruption, globalisation and new employment models, labour adjudication and arbitration systems must evolve to remain fair, accessible and efficient.

He explained that labour justice guarantees protection for workers against exploitation and discrimination, provides clarity and predictability for employers, and enables the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard social justice.

He admitted that when justice is delayed or inaccessible, productivity suffers and social tensions rise, but when it is swift and impartial, workplaces thrive, and economies grow.

The Minister informed stakeholders at the conference that the Federal Government is committed to strengthening labour adjudication mechanisms through reforms that modernise labour laws and enhance dispute resolution systems.

In his remarks, President of NECA, Ifeanyi Okoye, said access to legal justice is critical, adding that preventing disputes through sound human resource practices and effective communication remains the most sustainable approach.

He explained that collective bargaining, compliance with labour laws and proactive social dialogue constitute the first layer of labour justice.

According to him, delays and procedural bottlenecks weaken confidence in the system and increase the cost of doing business.

The NECA President noted that transparent, efficient and professional processes strengthen trust and encourage compliance.

He described effective labour adjudication and arbitration systems as formidable pillars of a healthy industrial relations environment capable of supporting enterprise sustainability and national development.

In her goodwill message, workers’ rights expert Inviolata Chinyangarara, on behalf of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), maintained that labour justice goes beyond compliance with labour laws to building trust and strengthening institutions.

Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson Jack, was represented by the Director of Legal Services in her office, who said access to labour justice within the public service begins with clear rules, transparent human resource processes, and effective internal grievance mechanisms.

She explained that reforms to performance management, disciplinary procedures, and digital HR systems aim to ensure that civil servants can seek redress fairly and without fear.