Industrial Trade Dispute and Legal Regulation in Nigeria

The Nigerian business environment is inundated with legal actions arising from impropriety in the workplace. The impact is likely to damage the general economic development of the nation. This study examines legal regulations, case laws and governmental policies that affect industrial relationships in Nigeria. It will examine Nigerian law’s role in regulating the working relationships between employees and employers, particularly in dealing with crises that may emanate from such relationships. A review of the relevant literature on industrial trade disputes reveals that trade disputes have become a common and frequent issue of concern in both private and public sector organisations. The study identifies the perception of the industrial trade dispute in Nigeria, the scope and importance of the Trade Dispute Act 2004 and its challenges. The study also examines the possibility of applying Alternative Dispute Resolution to mainstream industrial crises in Nigeria. The study points out positive actions in the work environment to avert the incidence of unnecessary civil litigations in dealing with industrial disputes. Therefore, this chapter recommends improving working relationships in the business environment.