By Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman All Progressives Congress, South Africa Chapter.
Across the world, trade unions have historically played a vital role in protecting workers’ rights, improving labor conditions, and advocating for social justice. From the industrial revolutions in Europe to the post-colonial labor movements in Africa, unions once stood as pillars of the people’s struggle. In Nigeria, the foundations of trade unionism were laid by men of courage and conviction who risked everything for the welfare of workers.
Names like Pa Michael Imoudu, often referred to as the father of Nigerian labor unionism, echo through history as symbols of sacrifice and selflessness. Leaders like Frank Kokori and others followed in his footsteps, fighting for workers’ rights under hostile regimes and at great personal cost. During the harsh military era, especially under the rule of General Ibrahim Babangida, trade unionists faced brutal repression. Yet, they remained committed to their cause, living modestly and upholding the dignity of labor. Their concern was never for personal gain, but always for the collective good of the Nigerian workforce.
Regrettably, that era of noble service seems to be fading. In recent years, many union leaders appear to have drifted from these values. The once principled fight for workers’ welfare has, in too many cases, been replaced by actions that seem driven more by ego, political motives, and personal interests than by any real concern for the people they claim to represent. This shift in focus is slowly but surely eroding public trust in unionism as a force for good.
A glaring example is the recent demand by certain union elements to prevent the Dangote Group from importing 4,000 trucks to distribute petroleum products nationwide. This demand is not only unreasonable, it is dangerously anti-development. It raises a critical question: how can any patriotic group justify obstructing a private company’s effort to improve logistics and efficiency in a sector as crucial as petroleum? The move is not about protecting workers, it is about protecting narrow interests and outdated monopolies.
In a country like Nigeria, where infrastructure gaps and distribution challenges have crippled the energy sector for decades, such a development should be welcomed, not resisted. Dangote’s investments, particularly in the petroleum industry, are already proving to be game-changers. The recent launch of the Dangote Refinery is a major milestone that promises to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, create jobs, and add significant value to the economy. Efforts to frustrate such progress are not just short-sighted, they are harmful to millions of Nigerians who stand to benefit from a revitalized energy sector.
The leadership of NUPENG, if indeed it is behind this action, should be called to order. There must be consequences for union actions that are clearly against the interests of the people. Trade unions were never meant to be instruments of sabotage or vehicles for selfish political agendas. When they act in ways that stifle innovation, block investment, and undermine national growth, they cease to be relevant or respectable.
In a free-market economy, private businesses must be allowed the liberty to grow, innovate, and compete. If unions want to protect their members, they should engage in dialogue, push for better training, ensure fair employment practices, and advocate for inclusive economic policies. But they must not become roadblocks to progress.
The truth is, Nigeria needs more visionaries like Dangote, bold entrepreneurs who are willing to take on big challenges and invest in sectors others avoid. The success of such individuals uplifts the entire economy. It creates opportunities for employment, skill development, and wealth creation. When unions oppose such progress, they don’t just oppose companies, they oppose the people.
If this trend of unpatriotic and selfish industrial actions continues, then trade unions in Nigeria will indeed die a natural death. Not because governments will suppress them, but because the people will lose faith in their purpose. They will become obsolete by their own doing, victims of their deviation from the principles that once made them champions of the people.
The time has come for labor leaders to reflect, realign, and rise above personal interests. The future of Nigeria’s workforce depends on it and so does the nation’s economic transformation.
