The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has admonished the National Industrial Court (NICN) to always ensure that its judgments consistently reflect not only legal principles but also a deep understanding of the complexities and dynamics of Nigeria’s workforce and economy.
Fagbemi stated this in Abuja while declaring open a Training on “Proceedings at the National Industrial Court”, on Tuesday 12th November, 2024.
The capacity building was organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ) for its State Counsels.
The decision to organize the maiden edition of the training according to the AGF demonstrated the policy thrust and commitment of the management of the National Industrial Court and Federal Ministry of Justice to build capacity in the resolution of industrial disputes either through the litigation or mediation windows offered by the NICN.
The ultimate goal Fagbemi noted further was to promote industrial harmony, advance labour law jurisprudence, enhance fair, prompt, and meritorious dispensation of justice.
Speaking earlier, the NICN President, Justice Bakwaph Kanyip, described labour justice as critical to any economy.
“As workers, we are all affected by labour laws as we pride ourselves as bastion of labour justice.
“We are not beclouded in our sense of Dispensing justice simply because there is no defence. Even when defendants does not appear, we have had cases where they won.” Kanyip said.
The AGF in his speech stated further: “I therefore commend and appreciate my Lord, the President of NICN for accommodating and supporting this initiative which is aimed at strengthening our judicial and administrative capacity in handling industrial and labour-related matters.
“Aside the provision of palliatives, wage awards, and recent increment of the national minimum wage, I want to assure you that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to engage labour unions and prioritise workers welfare.
“It is therefore against the background of the foregoing that the instant training exercise on the practice and procedure of the NICN, and consequential appeal process, is considered very essential and long overdue.
“I am particularly delighted that the resource persons for this training exercise are exceptionally qualified legal luminaries, fitting the description of “round pegs in round holes.” The extensive experience of my Lords from the various judicial divisions of the NICN and that of my brother silk; Folabi Kuti SAN who is the head of the Employment Law Practice of at Perchstone & Greys LP, are perfect combinations of both practical and theoretical insights from both the bench and the bar, enabling them to deliver an in-depth and balanced perspective on the assigned topics.
The AGF thereafter commended and appreciated the President of NICN for accommodating and supporting the initiative, which is aimed at strengthening judicial and administrative capacity in handling industrial and labour-related matters.
“You will all agree with me that the NICN has had a chequered history and has equally undergone tremendous transformation to its present status as a superior court of record under the 1999 Constitution, as altered through the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Third Alteration) Act 2010, which came into force on the 4th of March 2011.
“Thus, today the NICN, being a specialized court with expertise in the increasingly complex field of labour law, employment matters and trade unions, plays a critical role in the protection and balancing of employer and employee rights, ensuring socio-industrial stability, and economic development of the country.” Fagbemi added.
Signed
Modupe Ogundoro
Director,
Information and Public Relations
