Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed strong criticism of Nigeria’s labour leaders, accusing them of failing to protect workers’ interests and prioritizing personal ambitions over collective welfare.
His remarks were made in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he reflected on the state of labour unions in the country.
Key Details:
- Criticism of Labour Leaders: Obasanjo alleged that many union leaders have become ineffective, focusing on personal political ambitions rather than advocating for workers’ rights. He claimed that some leaders accept bribes to remain silent during negotiations, leaving workers vulnerable.
- Minimum Wage Concerns: The former president criticized the recently approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, stating that it is insufficient to cover basic needs such as transportation, food, and housing. He argued that workers have been betrayed by those meant to protect their interests.
- Historical Context: Obasanjo compared current labour leaders unfavorably to the movement’s founding fathers, suggesting that today’s leaders lack the strength and commitment of their predecessors.
These comments have sparked a strong response from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has defended its efforts and accused Obasanjo of unfairly blaming union leaders for systemic issues caused by government policies.
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