DESPITE facing an unprecedented wave of attacks, arrests of union leaders, and government interference in 2024, the trade union movement in Nigeria has expressed strong resolute in its fight for workers’ rights.
The National President of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Comrade Makolo Hassan, has reaffirmed the union’s resilience while speaking with journalists in Abuja recently, stating that the challenges have only strengthened their resolve.
Comrade Hassan dismissed notions that the organised labour in the country has been demoralised, declaring, “Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta! The struggle continues, and victory is certain. What we experienced this year is not a setback but a strategic retreat to prepare for the bigger battles ahead. The government may aim to weaken the labour movement, but we remain steadfast in our mission to protect workers and resist policies that harm the citizens.”
Reflecting on the events of 2024, Comrade Hassan described them as deliberate attempts to undermine the labour movement. “I was in Owerri when the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was molested. It was a clear signal of the government’s intentions. When labour leaders started facing harassment and arrests, we knew something was amiss. Shortly after, fuel pump prices were increased, leaving workers to bear the brunt of economic hardship,” he recounted.
He said that the struggle was far from over, noting, “The fight ahead is bigger. What we went through is a test, proving we are on the right path. We are not giving up because giving up means leaving future generations of workers to suffer. We must continue to fight, not just for ourselves but for those coming after us. He who fights and retreats lives to fight another day.”
Comrade Hassan urged workers and unions to remain united and vigilant, highlighting that the labour movement’s survival depends on its collective strength. “Their plan to silence us will fail. We are preparing for the battles ahead because we owe it to Nigerian workers to stand firm against injustice,” he concluded.
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