Journal of Human Resources Management and Labor Studies

Problems and Prospect of Labour Management Relations in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: Some Conceptual and Contextual Issues
Onyemaechi Joseph Onwe

Abstract
The major issue of interest in this presentation is the observed current unstable nature of labour management relations in Nigeria, resulting in continuous labour disputes. The focus is on the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The presentation stresses the relative importance of this industry in the development of the Nigerian economy. Our methodology was purely analytical, with emphasis on inferences that were aimed at making valid contributions in management of labour relations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The analytical results revealed three major problems facing the managers of labour in the oil and gas industry: (i) the problem of change and change management; (ii) the problem of proliferation of trade unions; and, (iii) the problem of differential remunerations and employee benefits. With these observations, the presentation proposed relevant strategic management processes including: a survey-feedback strategy; team building; managerial grid; sensitivity training; effective leadership; workplace training; a functional management information system; and, sharing of common goals among the management and employees.

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