Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday explained his decision to reform Nigeria’s labour movement during his tenure as military Head of State, saying his aim was to establish an independent and nationally controlled workers’ union.
Obasanjo spoke in Abuja at the 85th birthday celebration and book presentation in honour of former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Hassan Summonu. He claimed that before the reforms, the country’s major labour organisations were funded externally, with one supported by the Soviet KGB and the other by the CIA.
“This prompted me to initiate reforms to establish a Nigerian labour movement organised, funded, and controlled internally,” Obasanjo said.
He recounted: “Hassan, do you remember when Goodluck was leading one of the two major labour unions? These were Nigerian labour organisations, but they were not financed by Nigeria. One was funded by KGB, the other by CIA. I think Hassan belonged to the one funded by KGB. When I came on the scene, I needed a labour union organised by Nigeria, controlled by Nigeria, and financed by Nigeria. So, I appointed Justice Adebiyi to lead the reform process.”
The former President noted that the reforms culminated in the establishment of the NLC as a unified national labour body, with Summonu emerging as its first elected leader.
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“Hassan was at the forefront of asking what I knew about labour to demand reform. I knew nothing about labour, but I wanted a Nigerian organisation led by Nigerians and funded by Nigerians. Justice Adebiyi completed the reform, and Hassan became the first elected leader. I felt comfortable with that outcome,” Obasanjo said.
He added that the reforms improved relations between labour and government, praising Summonu for expanding the influence of Nigerian labour leadership across Africa and globally. Obasanjo also revealed that he wrote the foreword to Summonu’s new book, highlighting the labour leader’s contributions to national development.
Former NLC President and Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged labour leaders to challenge unjust policies actively rather than merely complain. Speaking in Abuja, Oshiomhole said: “I listened to NLC President Joe Ajaero agonising that minimum wage workers are asked to pay tax. Do you think crying will stop it? The lesson from Summonu is clear: if it is wrong, fight it. Do not lament; confront it.”
He continued, “On the floor of the Senate, I always say I didn’t go there to lament imperfection. What the people need is action, not tears. Those who benefit from a flawed order will not give up voluntarily. You have to fight them to give way. We also work better when we stand with the progressive segment of civil society. Summonu showed us that.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero called for a review of the new tax law, arguing that the exclusion of workers during the drafting process undermines its ability to protect their interests. He also urged the federal government to fully constitute the PENCOM Board and engage labour unions more effectively in policies affecting workers.
