THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT OF NIGERIA AND THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES IN EMPLOYMENT

Abstract

This paper examines the application of international labour standards (ILS), particularly those addressing unfair labour practices, in employment and labour-related litigation in Nigeria. In doing so, the paper focuses on the policy and practice of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Nigeria's specialised court for resolving employment disputes, highlighting the Court’s expansive utilization of its constitutional mandate to apply or interpret international labour standards. It also analyses the NICN’s procedural requirement for litigants to plead and prove international labour standards and (international) best practices, and critiques the inconsistent judicial approaches that have led to uncertainty. The paper concludes by advocating for a consistent, justice-driven approach that reinforces the NICN’s role in promoting fair labour practices in line with global standards.