Democracy and revitalization of industrial relations in Nigeria

Nigeria like many developing nations has experienced many democratic hitches. Since attaining independence, Nigeria has experienced a greater period of military rule than democratic governance; as a result every facet of the Nigerian Society has over the years reflected this reality of doing things the military way. The industrial relations system in Nigeria is not immune to the effects of the nation's bitter democratization process. As such the industrial relations system in Nigeria since the colonial era has evolved alongside, Nigeria's painstakingly difficult democratization process. This paper examines the synergy between democratization and industrial relations in Nigeria, raising pertinent issues, particularly at a time when the nation is being credited locally and internationally with having conducted its most credible electoral process.

The paper throws weight behind the principle that democratic rule provides a more healthy environment for a blossoming industrial relations system in Nigeria, particularly since government till date remains the single largest employer of labour. The paper advocates the internalization of core democratic values, structures and processes as one sure way of ensuring a vibrant industrial relations system in Nigeria.