National Industrial Court
NIC
About
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, also known as NICN, is a court empowered to adjudicate trade disputes, labour practices, matters under the Factories Act, Trade Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act and Workmen's Compensation Act, appeals from the Industrial Arbitration Panel, and all other employment matters in Nigeria. As a specialised labour court, matters it adjudicates are exclusive to it, and appeals from its decisions can now be made to the Court of Appeal by leave.
History
The court was set up by the Trade Dispute Decree No. 7 of 1976, initially consisting of a president and four other members, with a quorum of the president and two members. Its initial jurisdiction covered trade union disputes and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements. From 1976 until 2006 its operations were limited and its judgments were barely respected. In 2006 the legislature passed the National Industrial Court Act, 2006, strengthening the court's rules and its ability to enforce judgments. The 1999 Constitution (Third Alteration) Amendment Act 2010 further enhanced its jurisdiction and established it as a superior court of record. In 2015 the court established an Alternate Dispute Resolution centre, and in 2017 it made new rules which it now uses procedurally.
Key Facts
Established
1976 (under Trade Disputes Decree No. 7 of 1976); elevated to superior court status in 2010 (Constitution (Third Alteration) Act, 2010)
Headquarters
Old Federal Secretariat, Phase II, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja (current seat); Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos (historical)
President
Hon. Justice Benedict Ogona Kanyip
Members
33 judges currently in the various divisions of the court
Jurisdiction
Nigeria
Abbreviation
NICN
Website
nicn.gov.ng