society
Workers as the Backbone of a Nation: Nigeria’s Labour Force Must Lead the Rescue Mission
Workers as the Backbone of a Nation: Nigeria’s Labour Force Must Lead the Rescue Mission
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“All great nations are built by workers who do their best for themselves and the country.” These compelling words by Otunba Dr. Segun Showunmi remind us of a timeless truth: no nation rises above the dedication, sweat and courage of its workers. As Nigeria commemorates Workers’ Day, it is not enough to chant praises or post hollow tributes online. The Nigerian worker must now awaken to a more pressing, revolutionary responsibility, to be the moral and political vanguard in rescuing a country teetering on the brink of collapse.
For decades, Nigerian workers have toiled under unimaginable economic pressures, living from paycheck to paycheck, many without dignity, fair wages, or basic social security. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), once potent forces of resistance against tyranny and injustice, have become shadows of their former selves and crippled by political compromise, internal corruption and systemic intimidation. It is time for a rebirth.
Nigeria: A Country in Reverse Gear
Nigeria, once touted as the “Giant of Africa,” has become a failed promise. Despite having the largest economy in Africa by GDP size, over 133 million Nigerians are classified as multi-dimensionally poor (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Unemployment stands at 33.3%, and inflation continues to crush the purchasing power of an already overburdened citizenry. The current minimum wage of ₦30,000 (about $20 monthly) is not only a moral embarrassment, but a statistical absurdity in the face of skyrocketing fuel, electricity, food, rent and healthcare costs.
The recent calls for a ₦70,000 minimum wage by labour unions have been largely ignored by over 20 state governments, despite the Nigerian Constitution’s directive on equitable welfare. Workers are being enslaved in their own country while politicians feast.
Yet, in the face of this adversity, Nigerian workers must remember: they are not powerless. They are the makers of nations. They are the unseen hands that build cities, schools, roads and factories. They are the intellectuals, the civil servants, the farmers, the teachers, the doctors, the engineers. They are more than voters, they are a force of transformation.
Labour Must Become a Political Weapon
To rescue Nigeria, the working class must reawaken their political consciousness. The time has come for Nigerian labour to evolve beyond protests and strikes into full electoral participation. Workers must become the builders not only of infrastructure but of democracy itself. They must demand policies, shape leadership and hold power accountable.
Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary Burkinabè leader who transformed Burkina Faso in four short years, famously said: “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness… the courage to turn your back on the old formulas.” Nigerian workers must embrace such boldness. Voting every four years and returning to silence is no longer sufficient. A deliberate, organized movement of workers must be forged to disrupt the current cycle of kleptocracy and mediocrity.
Workers as Nation Builders: Historical Truths
History offers proof that great nations were built by empowered labour. In the United States, the New Deal reforms of the 1930s, which rescued America from the Great Depression, were largely driven by union pressure and workers’ demands. In South Africa, COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) was pivotal in fighting apartheid alongside the ANC. In Ghana, the Trades Union Congress played a key role in resisting colonial rule.
What about Nigeria? Our own past glows with examples: the nationwide strikes led by Michael Imoudu in the 1940s energized the nationalist movement. Pa Hassan Sunmonu and Adams Oshiomhole were once symbols of principled resistance. Sadly, today’s labour leadership, rather than mobilize for systemic change, often appears co-opted by the same ruling elites that perpetuate oppression.
The Struggle of Our Heroes Past Must Not Be in Vain
The Nigerian national anthem reminds us: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.” But what do we make of that line in a country where pensions are unpaid, workers are retrenched for unionism and salaries are swallowed by inflation? If we are to honor our heroes, then we must finish the battle they began.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, the slain Niger Delta environmental activist, once said: “The Nigerian nation is at war with its people.” Today, that war continues, not with guns and tanks, but with poverty, corruption and misgovernance. Nigerian workers are under siege. It is time to fight back, not with violence, but with unity, organisation and bold political engagement.
As Amílcar Cabral of Guinea-Bissau asserted, “Tell no lies, claim no easy victories.” Nigeria’s problems are rooted in a corrupt elite who have hijacked every arm of governance; executive, legislative and even labour. The fight for a new Nigeria will be hard, but it is a fight worth waging.
Reclaiming the Soul of Nigeria through Workers’ Power
Imagine if every teacher refused to teach until state governments invested 25% of their budgets into education. Imagine if all health workers grounded the hospitals until every Nigerian had access to basic healthcare. Imagine if the NLC and TUC backed credible worker-friendly candidates and mobilized 20 million votes in the 2027 elections. Imagine if we had a working-class party, not as a fringe movement, but as a national force built from the ground up.
The 2023 elections showed that a hunger for change exists among Nigerians. Yet, the political establishment manipulated the process with impunity. The working class must therefore not only vote but guard their vote, mobilize their communities and demand electronic transparency and judicial accountability.
What Must Be Done?
Revamp Labour Leadership: Current union leaders must be held accountable. The rank-and-file should demand transparency and replace docile leaders with visionary fighters.
Form a Worker-Centric Political Front: A credible, pan-Nigerian platform must emerge from the working class. Not another ethnically hijacked party, but one with ideology, focus and inclusivity.
Invest in Civic Education: Workers must understand their rights, the Constitution and how policy affects them. Knowledge is power.
Support Economic Sovereignty: Workers must pressure the government to invest in local production, revive industries and end dependence on imported goods.
Resist Divide-and-Rule Tactics: Ethnic and religious differences must not be used to weaken worker unity. The oppressor thrives on division.
In the Words of Giants
To conclude, let us borrow from the wisdom of Nelson Mandela: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity; it is an act of justice.” Nigerian workers must now pursue that justice, not beg for it. Martin Luther King Jr. once declared: “The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.” Let the Nigerian labour movement rise again, this time not just as a protest group, but as a nation-saving force.
Happy Workers’ Day to all Nigerian workers, may your courage light the path to a new Nigeria.
Security Expert Backs IGP Disu’s Record, Affirms Legitimacy Of Tenure
Recent operational achievements by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, particularly in Kwara State, have once again drawn attention to his tactical leadership and commitment to confronting criminal elements across the country.
According to a renowned security expert and CEO Of the Western Eagle Security Ltd, Mr Mogaji Busayo, during a recent security engagement in Kwara State, the IGP demonstrated decisive leadership through a series of strategic actions aimed at strengthening security architecture and restoring public confidence. Among the notable steps taken were leading security clearance operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal enclaves, Conducting operational inspections and strategy reviews at the Kwara State Police Command, declaring a firm commitment to reclaim communities from bandits and kidnappers threatening residents amongst others.
Mogaji described IGP Disu as a tested and trusted tactical officer whose professional record and field experience position him as a capable leader in the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, the impressive operational strides recorded under the current police leadership have further reinforced the need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
He therefore addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, explaining that the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act 2020 by the National Assembly clearly provides that an Inspector-General of Police is entitled to serve the full tenure stated in the appointment letter, even if the statutory retirement age of 60 is attained within that period.
Mogaji noted that historically, several past Inspectors-General of Police were unable to complete a full four-year tenure, largely due to retirement age limitations and the absence of clear statutory provisions guaranteeing the term of office. He further noted that the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also legally appointed to serve a four-year tenure under the same statutory framework but chose to retire earlier than expected due to family reasons, a decision which did not in any way affect the legality of the tenure provision itself.
He further highlighted that the formal swearing-in of the current Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a historic turning point in the administration of policing in Nigeria, noting that no previous Inspector-General of Police had been formally sworn into office prior to assumption of duty.
According to him, the oath of office administered by the President is the first ever and not only symbolises institutional reform but also reinforces the legal and constitutional validity of the four-year tenure now attached to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The security expert also referenced past legal controversies surrounding the tenure of former Inspectors-General, including litigation initiated by legal practitioner Maxwell Opara, which challenged the continued stay in office of former IGP Mohammed Adamu after retirement from service.
Similarly, in a judicial pronouncement delivered in Suit No. FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, the court held that only an officer within the prescribed rank and with not less than four years remaining in service could validly be appointed Inspector-General of Police, a matter that previously generated debate during the tenure of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
Mogaji stated that the recent legislative clarification, combined with the formal swearing-in of the present IGP, has effectively resolved those ambiguities, ensuring that the tenure of IGP Tunji Disu is firmly anchored in law and due process.
He urged the public to focus on the ongoing reforms and operational gains within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing that sustained leadership stability will further enhance the capacity of the Force to tackle crime and strengthen national security.
Under Siege: Nigeria’s Spiraling Insecurity in the Tinubu Era
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“As Violence and Kidnappings Surge, Nigerians Face a Humanitarian and Security Crisis Amid Perceived Government Inaction”
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the promise of a “Renewed Hope” has been starkly overshadowed by a relentless wave of violence and insecurity across Nigeria. Despite early pledges to prioritise national safety, the reality for millions has been a harrowing descent into a pervasive climate of fear. From the rugged terrains of the Northwest to the insurgent‑heavy Northeast, criminal cartels, bandits and extremist groups continue to challenge the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
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Independent monitoring groups and international bodies such as Amnesty International estimate that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks since Tinubu took office. Alongside this grim death toll is the dramatic escalation of abductions and the “kidnap‑for‑ransom” economy, which reportedly drained more than $1.4 billion (about ₦2.23 trillion) from families in the administration’s first year alone. This financial drain has compounded psychological trauma and deepened economic hardship.
“Nigeria’s security crisis is not merely a law enforcement problem,” says Prof. Abuja‑based security analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, “it is a symptom of systemic governance failure; where the state cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens.”
In the Northwest and Northcentral regions (including states such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau) armed gangs have razed villages and forced farmers to pay “harvest levies” just to access their own lands. This has devastated local food systems and contributed to rising inflation.
Meanwhile, in the Northeast, fractious insurgent groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and factions of Boko Haram continue to mount attacks against military and civilian targets. While the military claims to have “degraded” these groups, they remain capable of coordinated assaults, keeping large areas of the region under persistent threat.
Adding a new layer of complexity is the emergence of the “Lakurawa” group in the Sokoto‑Kebbi axis, signalling that old threats persist even as new ones take root.
Critics argue that the Tinubu administration’s focus on economic reforms (such as fuel subsidy removal and currency realignment) has come at the expense of human security. Former defence policy adviser Prof. Ayo Ajayi of Ahmadu Bello University notes, “Security is the foundation of economic growth. Without it, reforms risk becoming hollow promises for millions who live daily under threat.”
Late in 2025, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional security personnel. However, many Nigerians perceive these measures as reactive rather than proactive. The government’s increased reliance on non‑kinetic strategies (such as negotiations and amnesties for some criminal elements) has been met with scepticism.
Observers argue this approach has inadvertently emboldened criminal networks, turning kidnapping into a low‑risk, high‑reward enterprise. Although the state has acquired new military hardware and reshuffled service chiefs, these changes have yet to translate into a sense of safety for ordinary citizens.
The situation is not merely a security challenge but a humanitarian crisis. Civilians are being displaced, families are paying enormous ransoms under duress, and school abductions have uprooted thousands of students from classrooms.
Political scientist Dr. Yemi Ogunleye of the University of Lagos warns, “When the monopoly of coercive force shifts from the state to non‑state actors, the very fabric of democracy is threatened. Citizens must feel safe within their borders; otherwise governance itself becomes irrelevant.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists it has the experience and strategy necessary to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that decisive leadership and strengthened community defence initiatives are critical. Many Nigerians now look back on previous administrations with the hope that a change in leadership might bring a corresponding shift in national safety and stability.
Until the state can effectively reclaim its monopoly on the use of force and protect lives and properties, the “Renewed Hope” agenda will continue to ring hollow for millions living in the shadow of insecurity.
Published on Tuesday, March 17, 2026
society
MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM
*MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM, CONDOLES WITH BORNO OVER BOMB BLAST*
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative has extended its profound condolences to the government and resilient people of Borno State following a tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri town on Monday evening.
The attack, was condemned in the strongest terms in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
In the statement, the Initiative conveyed a powerful message of reassurance from its Grand Patron, His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It emphatically noted that “both the sponsors and the terrorists’ end will be soon,” asserting that the insecurity plaguing the nation will become “a thing of the past.”
The statement urged citizens nationwide, particularly those in affected areas, to remain calm and steadfast, affirming that the nation’s security architecture is more determined than ever. It highlighted that Gen. Musa, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is working day and night, coordinating all security agencies to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
“This tragic incident only strengthens our resolve,” the statement read. “The Minister of Defence and our gallant troops are engaged in relentless, tireless efforts to dismantle the networks of terror and bring a definitive end to this scourge. The light of peace is breaking through, and the end of this darkness is in sight.”
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative expressed unwavering confidence in the strategic leadership of the Minister of Defence and the overarching vision of the Renewed Hope Project, which prioritizes the safety and security of every Nigerian as its cornerstone.
The public is assured that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu and through the diligent execution of the Minister of Defence, is deploying every necessary resource and strategy to secure the nation. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with vital information and to maintain hope, as a new dawn of sustained peace and stability is being forged.
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