The organised labour movement in Nigeria has been advised to focus on building strong and unified unions that prioritise member welfare and organisational harmony above individual dominance.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, gave the charge in Abuja.
He explained that elevating individual interests above those of the union not only weakens the organisation but also neglects the well-being of its members.
A statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Patience Onuobia, said the Minister made the remarks when he received the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN), led by its National President, Aminu Hassan, who paid him a courtesy call.
Dr. Dingyadi commended the association’s leadership for channeling their energy and commitment towards entrenching unity, peace, and harmony in their union, and for placing the collective interest of members above self-interest.
“Unity breeds peace and progress. You must work together as a team for the interest and progress of your unions, and for the stability and economic development of our country,” he said.
While praising NASWDEN for “eschewing divisiveness and self-interest in their midst and choosing a united front,” the Minister reminded them to remain conscious of their leadership responsibilities and to work towards strengthening the union.
“So, we are happy to hear that you are now united and that you are ready to elect your new leaders under one mission — the mission of making this union a great one. We will give you whatever support that is required for you to move forward,” he stated.
He further emphasised that leadership must be rooted in service: “An organisation is more important than any individual. When you take up a leadership position in a union, you are there to serve the union.”
In his remarks, the National President of NASWDEN, Uko Iwaudofia, told the Minister that the association was able to regain unity through the collective efforts and determination of its members, and with “the invaluable support of the Minister.”
“Our union’s strength lies in its members, and we are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and their welfare protected,” he said.
Also speaking, a founding member of the association, Aminu Muhammad, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s urgent intervention in resolving the lingering crisis in NASWDEN and acknowledged his key role in restoring unity and peace to the organisation.