The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, has urged legal practitioners across the country to enhance their expertise in labour law as disputes in Nigeria’s employment sector grow increasingly complex.
Justice Kanyip made the call while speaking at the Gabriel Adikwu & Co. Annual Lecture, an event held in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (JSC Rtd). Although the full text of his address was not publicly released, the NICN announced key highlights via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday.
“Labour law is no longer a niche interest; it is now a strategic necessity for any serious legal practitioner in Nigeria.”
“Legal practitioners must be properly equipped with the principles of labour law,” the court quoted Justice Kanyip as saying, underscoring the importance of specialised knowledge in labour and industrial relations law for effective advocacy and the delivery of justice in the workplace.
What’s Next?
Legal analysts predict that with the growing emphasis on labour jurisprudence, law firms and practitioners may have to invest more in labour law training and litigation strategy. The NICN is also expected to continue championing reforms and capacity development initiatives in this area.
