The Nigerian labour movement, once a formidable force for workers’ rights and national liberation, has undergone a dramatic transformation; from the selfless activism of pioneers like Pa Michael Imoudu and Hassan Sunmonu to the politically entangled, controversy-laden leadership of Joe Ajaero. What was once a beacon of hope for the oppressed working class has, in recent years, been accused of descending into a business venture, where strikes are threatened but rarely sustained, and negotiations often end in compromises that leave workers worse off.
This investigative piece traces the rise, golden era, and perceived decline of Nigeria’s central labour union, examining how the ideals of Imoudu, Sunmonu, and other early labour icons have been overshadowed by allegations of opportunism, political alignment, and financial gain.
The Golden Era: Pa Michael Imoudu and the Birth of Militant Unionism
The Lion of Nigerian Labour
Pa Michael Imoudu, Nigeria’s first national labour leader, was a colossus who fought colonial exploitation and laid the foundation for trade unionism in Nigeria. Born in 1902 in Edo State, Imoudu’s activism began in the Nigeria Railway Corporation, where he witnessed firsthand the brutal exploitation of Nigerian workers under British rule.
In 1945, he led the first major national strike, demanding a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for railway workers. The strike paralyzed the colonial economy, forcing concessions from the British administration. Unlike today’s labour leaders, Imoudu lived in poverty, often sacrificing personal comfort for the collective struggle. His home was a modest structure, and he died without owning a house, a stark contrast to the opulence of some modern union bosses.
A Legacy of Fearless Resistance
Imoudu’s leadership was marked by:
- Direct confrontation with colonial powers (e.g., storming the Government House with 3,000 workers).
- Alignment with nationalist movements, ensuring labour struggles were tied to Nigeria’s independence.
- Mentorship of future leaders, including Adams Oshiomhole, who later became NLC President and Edo State Governor.
His era was one of genuine sacrifice, where labour leaders faced imprisonment, torture, and state brutality; yet never wavered.
Hassan Sunmonu: The Architect of a Unified Labour Front (1978–1984)
From Civil Servant to Labour Titan
Hassan Sunmonu, a civil engineer in the Federal Ministry of Works, emerged as an unlikely labour leader when he was elected the first president of the unified Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in 1978. His rise defied expectations, as he lacked the militant pedigree of icons like Michael Imoudu but brought strategic acumen and organizational discipline to the movement.
Merging Four Factions into One Force
Sunmonu inherited a fractured labour landscape. The military regime had dissolved four rival labour centres; Nigeria Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Labour Unity Front (LUF), United Labour Congress (ULC), and Nigeria Workers’ Congress (NWC); and mandated their merger under the NLC. Sunmonu’s leadership ensured this unification was not merely symbolic:
- Structural Reforms: He streamlined 1,000 in-house unions into 42 industrial unions, creating a cohesive national structure.
- Financial Prudence: With a N1 million government subvention, he distributed N10,000 to each affiliate union, empowering grassroots organizing.
- State Councils: Launched NLC branches in all 19 states, ensuring nationwide worker representation.
Milestones and Battles
- Workers’ Charter of Demands (1980): Sunmonu’s NLC boldly demanded a national minimum wage, tying it to the cost of living. The 1981 strike forced President Shagari to negotiate directly, resulting in Nigeria’s first legislated minimum wage.
- May Day as a Public Holiday: Sunmonu successfully lobbied for May 1st to be recognized as a public holiday, institutionalizing workers’ visibility.
- Anti-SAP Crusade: He opposed the IMF’s Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), arguing it impoverished workers. The NLC’s public debates against SAP galvanized national resistance.
- Political Neutrality: Unlike successors, Sunmonu resisted government co-optation. When senators proposed splitting the NLC, he mobilized mass rallies to quash the bill.
Legacy and Later Years
Sunmonu’s tenure ended in 1984, but his influence endured. As Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), he expanded his advocacy continentally. Even in retirement, he remained a moral compass for the NLC, mediating crises like the 2015 factional split between Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaero.
Contrast with Modern NLC: Sunmonu’s era was marked by ideological clarity and sacrifice; traits critics argue are diluted today. His twin brother, Hussein, noted their shared frugality: “We never blew money on luxury; we invested in the struggle.”
The Transitional Phase: Oshiomhole and the Politicization of Labour
From Unionism to Politics
Adams Oshiomhole, a former NLC President (1999–2007), represented a bridge between activism and politics. Under his leadership, the NLC organized mass protests against fuel price hikes and anti-worker policies. However, his eventual transition into partisan politics (as Edo State Governor) marked a shift; labour leaders began seeing political office as an exit strategy.
While Oshiomhole maintained some credibility, critics argue that his political ambitions diluted labour’s neutrality. His successor, Abdulwaheed Omar, struggled to maintain the same militancy, and by the 2010s, the NLC’s influence waned.
The Ajaero Era: Labour as a Business?
The Rise of Joe Ajaero
Joe Ajaero, elected NLC President in 2023, has been one of the most polarizing figures in Nigerian labour history. A former electricity union leader, Ajaero’s tenure has been marked by:
- Betrayed the disengaged ex phcn workers on the non payment of severance package
- Frequent strike threats (over fuel subsidy removal, minimum wage, inflation) but lasting impact.
- Allegations of political bias; his perceived alignment with the Labour Party (LP) and opposition figures like Peter Obi has raised questions about his motives.
- Controversial arrests; his detention by security agencies over alleged “terrorism financing” further blurred the lines between activism and political vendettas.
Strike Threats Without Substance?
Under Ajaero, the NLC has issued numerous strike ultimatums, only to suspend them after last-minute negotiations. For instance:
- July 2023: Strike over fuel subsidy suspended after government offered a temporary N35,000 wage boost.
- September 2023: Another strike threat postponed indefinitely.
Critics argue that these repetitive, inconclusive actions suggest negotiations are more about financial settlements than workers’ welfare.
Financial Entanglements and Lost Credibility
Unlike Imoudu and Sunmonu, who lived modestly, modern labour leaders are accused of:
- Enjoying government perks (e.g., appointments, secret deals).
- Prioritizing media grandstanding over real worker benefits.
- Failing to enforce past wage agreements** (15 states still ignore the N30,000 minimum wage since 2019).
A BusinessDay investigation revealed that many Nigerians now see the NLC as “a business venture rather than a workers’ shield”.
Conclusion: Can Nigerian Labour Rediscover Its Soul?
The Nigerian labour movement stands at a crossroads. From Imoudu’s selflessness to Sunmonu’s unifying vision, and now Ajaero’s controversies, the union has shifted from a revolutionary force to a negotiating entity—often on shaky terms.
If the NLC is to regain public trust, it must:
- Return to its roots; prioritize workers over politics.
- Ensure transparency in negotiations and strike actions.
- Hold governments accountable; not just issue empty threats.
The question remains: Will the next generation of labour leaders restore the movement’s dignity, or will it continue as a shadow of its former self?
For now, the ghosts of Imoudu and Sunmonu watch; disappointed, but not yet defeated.
