NLC: We’re working on reviewing ‘archaic’ labour laws

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it is working on reviewing labour laws in the country to meet global standard.

Speaking on Tuesday at a media roundtable and strategy design on civil space, in Calabar, Cross River state capital, Onoho’Omhen Ebhohinhen, NLC’s head of research department, said the review is to ensure that the labour laws are in conformity with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Ebhohinhen said the current labour laws have become obsolete and need to be reviewed to align them with modern realities.

“Some of these laws were made during the colonial era and some during past military regimes. You can agree with me that most of the Nigerian labour laws have become archaic,” Ebhohinhen said.

“There have been so many developments in the country that have not been captured. The present labour laws impede workers’ growth and productivity.

“They are too restrictive and do not encourage productivity of the Nigerian worker. We also need to domesticate some of the laws in conformity with the ILO requirements.

“We have concluded three stages of the process. We have held individual presentations at the NLC level; we had workshops with relevant stakeholders and we have met with the members of the national assembly.

“After collation of all the submissions, we will put them together as draft legislation and present them to the national assembly for onward passage as a bill.”

The NLC added that the review is necessary because Nigerian workers are “victims” of the obsolete laws.