The Senate, on Wednesday, moved for the enactment of a law that would establish three major institutions, aimed at whittling down the powers of the Federal Government on Labour related disputes.

The lawmakers, on Tuesday, passed through the second reading a bill, entitled: “A bill for an Act to establish the National Commission for Conciliation and Arbitration, National Labour Council, the Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions, etc, to administer the provisions of labour laws in Nigeria and for matters connected therewith, 2014.”

The bill, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, is seeking to reduce what is seen as overbearing powers of the government during labour disputes which, he said, “causes most disputes to be unresolved.”

Leading the debate on Wednesday, Senator Ndoma-Egba said: “the greatest challenge of the present dispute settlement is that the entire process from negotiation, conciliation up to arbitration is domiciled in, activated by and operated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

“Under Section 9 of the Trade Disputes Act, the minister appoints the chairman, vice chairman and all members of the industrial arbitration panel. This scenario is totally at variance with best practices in dispute settlement as it is difficult to see how such a body can be impartial where government is a party.”

He explained that there was the need for employers and labour to join the government in dealing with industrial relations and dispute resolutions in the country.

According to him, the industrial arbitration panel, which was established under the Trade Dispute Act during the military era in 1976, was made to suit the military agenda and the prevailing labour environment at the time, adding that “the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on tripartite consultation enjoins member states to ensure that the principles of tripartism is represented at all times.”

Ndoma-Egba stated further that “the objective of the bill is to create labour institutions that are independent, impartial, flexible, simple and functional; to administer the provisions of all labour laws in Nigeria as it affects freedom of association, industrial relations, working conditions, health and occupational safety; comply with the ILO convention 144, to which Nigeria is a party and has ratified and promote the prevention, containment and speedy resolution of labour disputes.”

He further submitted that the industrial arbitration panel, as currently constituted under the Trade Dispute Act, was grossly inadequate to meet modern labour challenges, while also in conflict with provisions of the National Industrial Court Act 2006.

The bill was supported by most senators and was referred to the Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, which is expected to submit its report in four weeks.

•Adapted from a Nigeian Tribune report. Photo shows Senate President David Mark.