The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof Tunji Olaopa, has urged employers, workers, and the government to establish and maintain a consensus on industrial harmony. Olaopa emphasized the importance of constructive tripartism between workers, employers, and the government in preventing industrial disharmony. Drawing on his experience as a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, he highlighted the challenges of addressing industrial threats without a collaborative approach.
Olaopa stressed the need for serious efforts to create the necessary institutional framework for harmonious industrial relations, including legislative reform and the revitalization of collective bargaining and dispute resolution protocols. He suggested convening a no-holds-barred dialogue among the tripartite social partners to address all issues and reach a working consensus on industrial harmony.
While acknowledging that economic reform policies of the Tinubu administration may have led to disruptions and the exit of some industries, Olaopa underscored the importance of strengthening institutional conversations between the public service and industry. He emphasized the need to enhance the public sector’s institutional capacity through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the infusion of private sector management expertise to improve productivity.
Olaopa disclosed the FCSC’s decision to professionalize its secretariat and institute performance management to transform into a professional hub and center of excellence for human resource management in the public service. In response, NECA Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, expressed full support for proposals promoting industrial harmony, considering it an indispensable condition for growth and development. Oyerinde committed to facilitating a staff exchange program, drawing on insights from a recent NECA study team visit to Ipswich, United Kingdom.
