Activist Wants NLC Disbanded, Advocates Independent Professional Unions

Amid strike threats, a socio-political organisation, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG) has aligned with those calling for reforms to disband the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as leading voice for public workers and make its membership optional.

In a statement on Monday, the SRG Convener/National Coordinator, Dr Marindoti Oludare, lamented that the apex labour union had been perverted and turned to a tool to appease political interests.

Oludare argued that the NLC, established during a military administration, no longer serves the best interests of Nigerian workers and is complicit in policies that have caused widespread suffering.

“Founded in 1978 during a military regime, the Nigerian Labour Congress was created with the ostensible goal of representing the interests of workers from diverse disciplines.

“However, its origins are mired in controversy, with allegations that it was established primarily to suppress the agitations of workers and consolidate power within the military administration.

“Over the years, the NLC has evolved into a nebulous and omnibus organization that has struggled to effectively address the multifaceted issues facing Nigerian workers.”

Oludare, a Nigeria-born US-based medical practioner and activist, recalled that one significant point of contention is the role of the NLC in the Naira redesign policy, which led to severe economic hardships for Nigerians, early in the year.

“He argued that the NLC was complicit in this policy, failing to adequately represent the interests of workers and, in some instances, appearing to align with fringe political interests rather than those of the labour force; and this has eroded the trust that workers and the Nigerian people place in the NLC to advocate on their behalf,” he lamented.

As a proponents of constitutional reform, he argued that it is time to reevaluate the role of the NLC and its effectiveness in representing the interests of Nigerian workers, he stressed.

He further noted that such reform should include removing labour from the exclusive list and disbanding NLC, allowing independent professional organisations to form their own unions.

This shift, he said, would empower workers to choose representatives who are dedicated solely to their specific needs and concerns, potentially leading to more effective advocacy and negotiation.

“Critics of this proposed constitutional amendment argue that the NLC, despite its flaws, remains a valuable institution that can be reformed rather than disbanded.

“They believe that with proper oversight, transparency, and accountability measures in place, the NLC can better serve the interests of Nigerian workers.

“As the debate over the future of labour representation in Nigeria intensifies, it is clear that reform is necessary. Whether through a complete disbandment of the NLC or a comprehensive overhaul of its structure and practices, the focus must be on ensuring that Nigerian workers have a voice that genuinely represents their interests and safeguards their rights in the ever-changing landscape of labour and industry.

“Ultimately, the decision will rest with the Nigerian people and their elected representatives as they consider the best path forward for the nation’s workforce,” Oludare contended.