ABSTRACT

The major problem in the Nigeria Labour System has been and still remains the incessant strikes by workers. Strike as distasteful as it is, performs various useful functions, for example when it is properly used, it can force management to concede to the demands of the workers. In spite of its usefulness in the employer-employee’s relationship, it imposes costs on the two sides and on the economy as a whole.

How has the government responded to the problem of industrial action which has adversely affected the economy of the country? In 1976, the Trade Dispute Act was promulgated to manage and regulate trade dispute matters in Nigeria. The aim of the Act was to promote industrial peace and harmony in the country. Unfortunately, the incidence of trade disputes in Nigeria is still alarming. This problem brings to fore the question whether the Trade Dispute Act has been able to meet up to expectations.

This work therefore desires to find out the positive law relating to trade disputes and settlement processes. The paper examines the Trade Dispute Act, 1976 and its provisions for trade dispute settlement. It also finds out whether the Trade Dispute (Amendment) Decree No 47 of 1992, has made things easier.

It also examines the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court and the new provision under the National Industrial Court Act, 2006.All these are the issues that are pertinent and are discussed in the course of this work.