The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), along with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), urged courts to ensure justice promotes societal peace and fosters economic growth during the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.

Fagbemi highlighted Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges, including high unemployment and rising inflation, emphasizing the need for a proactive judiciary to address these issues. He stated, “Timely and efficient resolution of industrial disputes can help prevent disruptions in economic activity and maintain a stable business environment.”

He commended the NICN’s role in creating a conducive business climate and stressed the importance of balancing justice for employers, employees, and the public.
Osigwe, represented by the NBA’s Second Vice President, Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, echoed the need for swift, fair, and impartial labor justice. He advocated for justice sector reforms and the digitalization of litigation processes.

Justice Benedict Kanyip, NICN President, expressed optimism about improving case resolutions, noting that out of 8,608 pending cases from the last legal year, 1,616 were resolved, leaving 6,992 still open. He also called for amendments to ensure retired judicial officers receive pensions equivalent to serving judges.

Justice Kanyip reiterated that the NICN is not an administrative agency and cannot intervene in disputes not filed before the court, emphasizing its commitment to delivering labor justice.