TRADE UNIONS ACT
Act · Labour
An Act governs the registration and activities of trade unions in Nigeria. It targets trade unions, workers, and employers to regulate collective bargaining and union rights. This provides a legal framework for worker organization.
TRADE UNIONS ACT
What Is This Policy?
The principal legislation governing the registration, activities, and dissolution of trade unions in Nigeria, and regulating the relationship between trade unions, employers, and the government.
Who Does It Target?
Trade unions and their officials Workers who are members of trade unions Employers negotiating with trade unions Registrar of Trade Unions
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide a legal framework for the organisation of workers into trade unions, define the rights and responsibilities of unions, and regulate collective bargaining.
Key Features
Registration System: All trade unions must register with the Registrar to have legal status. Union Rights: Registered unions have the right to organise members, bargain collectively, and take lawful industrial action. Financial Governance: Unions must maintain audited accounts and file annual returns with the Registrar. Amalgamation: Unions may amalgamate with other unions through prescribed processes.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide labour movement Beneficiaries: Workers; industrial relations system Funding: Union dues
How to Access
Unions must apply to the Registrar for registration Annual returns and audited accounts must be filed Members' rights within unions are protected by the Act Application method: Apply for trade union registration at the Federal Ministry of Labour.
Important Terms
Unregistered unions have no legal standing Union funds must be used only for lawful union purposes Officials who misappropriate union funds face criminal prosecution
Official Resources
Website: https://www.labour.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment — Registrar of Trade Unions
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Labour Act Cap L1 LFN 2004, the National Industrial Court Act 2006, the Employees Compensation Act 2010, the Trade Disputes Act, and ILO Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining) as ratified by Nigeria.