Trade Union Politics in Nigeria – A Case Study of 2023 General Election in Nigeria
Keywords:
Trade Union, Politics, Democracy, 2023 General Election, Nigeria Labour CongressAbstract
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked all its state chapters to activate their political committees at local government levels to sensitise workers and the public on the need to vote for the Labour Party (LP) candidates in all elective positions in the 2023 general election. This showcases the relevance of trade unions as seen in the contemporary society in many ways. So far, we have stressed that it is imperative for trade unions to actively participate in the political process so as to further safeguard the interest of members as seen during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. To some extent, trade unions in Nigeria have over the years fulfilled this laudable objective. This is attested to by their involvement in several political issues especially when the wellbeing of the working class is affected. An overall assessment of the role of trade unions in the political process in Nigeria would show that there is still more to be done in this direction. Specifically, trade unions have some constraints which limit their effectiveness in the performance of their functions. These include among others, poor leadership, lack of internal democracy, government intervention, tribalism and nepotism, poor economic climate, internal factionalism and apathetic attitude, as most unions depend largely on check-offs from their members which is generally insufficient. In addition, is the problem of low participation of members in union activities. It is hereby suggested that Nigerian government should allow free trade unionism as a way of strengthening the current democratic dispensation; and that, in view of the paramount role played by trade unions in the political process in Nigeria, it would be imperative to advocate that all the stakeholders in the nation’s industrial relations should take practical measures aimed at strengthening trade union movement in the country.
References
Adebisi, M.A. (2014). Industrial conflict and trade unionism in Nigeria. Advance in Management, 4 (1), 13 – 24.
Adewumi, F. (2019). Labour in the Political Process: The Nigerian Experience in Nigerian. Journal of Industrial Relations: 3:25.
Akinyanju, P. (2017) “Trade unions and democratic struggle in CDHR Nigeria: Non Governmental Organizations and Democracy. Fredrich Ebert Foundation.
Akpala, A., (2012). Industrial relations model for developing countries: The Nigerian system. Fourth Dimension Publishing Co. Ltd.
Ananti, M.O. (2014). Trade unionism in Nigeria. In E.A. Obi, M.O,. Ananti, & O. Onwubike (eds). Industrial relations in Nigeria: Theory and practice. Book Point Ltd.
Anyim, F.C. & Soetan, E. (2018). Advanced employment relations. Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
Anyim, F.C. Ekwuoaba, J.O. & Shonuga, A.O. (2013). Industrial unionism and its bargaining Correlates in Nigeria Industrial relations System. Journal of Management and Strategy, 4(3), 56 – 68.
Bankole, A.R. (2020). Principles of personnel management. Fadec Publishers.
Banwo, A., (2017). Democracy and human rights in Nigeria: An Overview, in, C.D.H.R., “Nigeria: Non-Governmental Organization and Democracy. Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Fajana, S. (2016). Industrial relations in Nigeria: Theory and features. Labofin and Co.
Fajana, S., (2020). Industrial relations in Nigeria: Theories and features. Labofin and Co.
Farnham, D. & Pimlott, J. (2019), Understanding industrial relations. Cassell Limited.
Fashoyin, T. (2014). Industrial Relations in Nigeria: Development and practice. Longman Nigeria Ltd.
Flanders, A., (2012). ‘What are trade unions for?” in, W.E.J. McCarthy, ed. Trade Unions. Penguin.
Galenson, W., (2019), (ed). Labour and economic development. Wiley and Sons Inc.
Godard, J. (2013). Industrial relations, the economy and society. Ontrio Publishers.
Hassan, O.M. (2013). Securing a harmonious working environment through effective industrial relations at workplace. The Nigeria Perspective Business Management Dynamics, 3(2), 46 – 59.
Hyman, R. (2015). Industrial relations: A Marxist Introduction. Macmillan.
Hyman, R., (2015). Industrial Relations: A Marxist Introduction, London: Longmans.
Hyman, R., (2017). Strategy or structure: capital, labour and control. Work Employment and Society, 1(1), 38.
Obasi, C., (2018), “State-Labour Relations under a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in Nigeria: Lessons for the Future. Nigeria Journal of Industrial Relations, 3(1), 26
Okogwu, G.C. (2020). Trade Unionism: It’s development in Nigeria and its roles in a Democratic Government. Lecture Presented at National Seminar on Conflict Prevention in Industrial Relations Held in Abuja, Nigeria. 1st April.
The Guardian (2008). Labour rallies against graft, poor economy” May 9, p. 4.
Trade Union Act (2004). Statutory definition of trade union. LFN
