By Victor Ahiuma-Young

One of the allies of the labour movement in Nigeria especially in the area of capacity-building, the American Solidarity Center, ASC, has raised the alarm over the declining capacity of Nigerian trade unions to meet their obligations of protecting, fighting and demanding for workers’ rights.

Specifically, ASC is of the opinion that labour movement in Nigeria is losing its steam.

At a four-day capacity-building program in Lagos for state councils of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Organising, ASC’s Country Programme Director, West Africa, Sonny Ogbuehi, said with the notion that trade unionism in Nigeria is going down, “there is a need to look at how they could build the capacity of workers which gives them the powers to organise.”

He said: “Unions should know the importance of organising and make it a priority to achieve great feats.”

On his expectations, he said after the training, the centre would “ensure it follows up on solidarity campaigns, make them get the skills and real-life experiences.”

In his presentation on the Global, National and Sectoral Context of Organising, NLC Head of Education and Training, Dr. Muttaqa Yusha’u, gave an overview of trends in the workforce and developed strategies for promoting workers’ rights and interests.

While giving recommendations across sectors of the economy, he recommended that there is a need for Congress to help formalise workers in the informal sector and bring them into a formal union, thereby bridging the gap between employment and unionisation.

He said there is also a need to increase the interest and participation of workers in the sector in unions by addressing leadership crises, mobilising organisers, as well as employing technology and democratic practices within unions to advocate for their rights and welfare.

This, he said was paramount; following the significant role the informal sector plays in the economy and employing a significant portion of the workforce.

According to him, about 60 to 80 per cent are engaged in the informal sector.

Earlier, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, represented by the Deputy of Congress and President-General of Maritime Workers of Nigeria, MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said: “Our wish is that you will come out of this Academy rearing to go and prepared to seek out those unorganised workplaces in your states and take necessary steps to bring them into the fold.

“We need to see the fruits of this academy manifesting in your actions as soon as the programme ends. You are the light that we are lighting in all the states of the federation. You are that spark that we are setting everywhere that will light the fire capable of rebuilding and restrengthening our movement again.

“NLC appreciates the American Solidarity Centre for their continued support in our effort at building our capacities in various areas. Those that have worked hard to put this programme together deserve our commendations and we say kudos to you all.

“Chairpersons of state councils, we commend you for responding to this clarion call. Learn, unlearn and re-learn here and take it to your states to make greater impact.”