The Legal Frame Work of Trade Union Activism and the Role of National Industrial Court (NIC) in Handling Trade Disputes
Leonard C. Opara

Abstract
Nigeria does not have a regulated market for trade union activism. However, some Nigerian legislations and laws have been applied by the various courts involved in settling disputes between Trade Unions, employers of labour and members of trade unions as well as employees’ rights. Nigeria law and policy directives by government have encouraged trade union negotiations and collective bargaining in trade dispute resolutions and settlements. This article overviews development in labour relations and the laws relating to trade union and the trade dispute resolutions or adjudications by the National Industrial Court (NIC) of Nigeria, the Nigerian government’s position and review the development of legislation by the National Assembly. The article discusses the various legal issues that are encountered in trade union and the role of National Industrial Court in trade dispute settlement and how it can effectively manage trade union activism. This article recommends that a Labour Court of Appeal to be provided in the constitution since it is a specialised court mainly for labour and industrial workers.

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