The 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 on Tuesday while declaring open a capacity building training entitled: “Proceedings at the National Industrial Court” at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ).
The decision to organise the maiden edition of the training, according to the AGF, demonstrated the policy thrust and commitment of the management of NICN and the ministry to build capacity in the resolution of industrial disputes either through 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.
“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,” he said.
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 do not appear, we have had cases where they won.” Kanyip said.
