The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is the umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria, representing millions of workers across diverse sectors. Since its formation in 1978, the NLC has played a vital role in shaping labour policies, defending workers’ rights, and influencing national governance. Its history is deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic journey, reflecting the tensions between labour, government, and the economy.
Background: The Birth of a Unified Labour Movement
Before the NLC was established, Nigeria’s labour landscape was fragmented. Trade unions existed in different sectors such as railways, teaching, mining, and civil service, each operating independently. By the early 1970s, four major labour centers dominated the scene:
The Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC)
The Labour Unity Front (LUF)
The United Labour Congress (ULC)
The Nigeria Workers’ Council (NWC)
However, rivalry and ideological differences weakened their influence. The military government, under General Olusegun Obasanjo, saw the need for a central labour body that could streamline industrial relations. In 1978, following the restructuring of Nigeria’s trade unions into industrial-based unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress was officially inaugurated, uniting over 40 trade unions under one umbrella.
Founding Leadership and Early Struggles (1978–1980s)
The first president of the NLC was Wahab Goodluck, a former leader of the Nigerian Union of Railwaymen, while Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu served as its first General Secretary. The NLC’s early years were marked by both enthusiasm and challenge.
One of its first major tests came in 1981, when it led a nationwide strike over the implementation of the national minimum wage of ₦125 for workers. The successful strike established the NLC as a powerful advocate for labour rights. However, its confrontations with the government, particularly during the era of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) in the mid-1980s, brought increasing tension.
NLC and the Structural Adjustment Era (1985–1990s)
Under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria adopted IMF-backed economic reforms, which included fuel subsidy removals, trade liberalization, and currency devaluation. These policies led to inflation and hardship for workers, prompting the NLC to organize protests and strikes.
In 1988, the NLC was dissolved by the Babangida administration, and its leaders were removed from office over allegations of financial mismanagement and political agitation. Government-appointed administrators ran the body until it was reconstituted in 1989, reflecting the uneasy balance between labour autonomy and state control.
During the early 1990s, the NLC became more vocal in political matters, especially following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. This political activism further strained relations with successive military governments.
Labour and the Transition to Democracy (1998–2000s)
The return to civilian rule in 1999 opened a new chapter for the NLC. Under the leadership of Adams Oshiomhole, the NLC became an even stronger force, opposing government policies that it considered anti-worker.
The NLC’s most prominent actions during this period revolved around fuel price increases. Between 2000 and 2007, it organized several general strikes and nationwide protests, challenging President Olusegun Obasanjo’s fuel subsidy removal policies. These actions solidified the NLC’s role not only as a defender of workers’ rights but also as a major player in national policy debates.
Internal Disputes and Reforms (2010s)
The 2010s brought internal leadership struggles and questions about the NLC’s relevance in a rapidly changing labour market. In 2015, a highly contested leadership election led to a split within the NLC, with a faction breaking away to form the United Labour Congress (ULC) led by Joe Ajaero.
This division weakened the NLC’s influence temporarily, as the two bodies sometimes issued conflicting directives to workers. However, in 2020, after extensive reconciliation talks, the ULC rejoined the NLC, restoring unity to Nigeria’s central labour movement.
Recent Activities and Ongoing Influence (2020s)
In the democratic era, the NLC remains one of Nigeria’s most influential pressure groups. Recent campaigns have focused on:
Minimum Wage Enforcement: Following the signing of the ₦30,000 national minimum wage into law in 2019, the NLC has pressured state governments to fully implement it.
Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests: In 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies sparked inflation and economic hardship. The NLC organized mass protests demanding palliatives and wage adjustments.
Public Sector Reforms: The NLC has also been vocal about pension reforms, healthcare improvements, and better conditions for teachers and healthcare workers.
Its current president, Joe Ajaero, continues to navigate the delicate balance between negotiation and confrontation with the government.
Key Figures in NLC History
Wahab Goodluck – First president, 1978.
Hassan Sunmonu – First General Secretary, later Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).
Pascal Bafyau – President during turbulent 1980s–1990s, involved in pro-democracy struggles.
Adams Oshiomhole – Elevated the NLC’s national profile during the fuel subsidy protests of the 2000s; later became Governor of Edo State.
Ayuba Wabba – President from 2015–2023, oversaw reconciliation with the ULC.
Joe Ajaero – Current president, leading the NLC in a period of economic hardship and subsidy-related protests.
Why the NLC Matters Today
The NLC’s significance goes beyond wage negotiations. It has been a voice for social justice, good governance, and democratic accountability. Its strikes and protests have often shaped public discourse, while its alliances with civil society groups have amplified citizens’ demands for better governance.
In a country where economic inequality remains high, the NLC’s advocacy for workers’ welfare is crucial. Its actions can influence government policy, slow down unpopular reforms, or force concessions that ease hardship.
Author’s Note
The history of the Nigerian Labour Congress is a story of resilience, struggle, and adaptation. From its birth in 1978 as a unifying force for workers to its role in Nigeria’s democratic battles and current economic debates, the NLC has been both a witness to and a participant in the nation’s political evolution.
As a researcher and writer, I see the NLC not merely as a trade union body, but as a mirror of Nigeria’s broader struggles for fairness, justice, and equitable development. Its history is a reminder that organized labour, when united and principled, can stand as a formidable pillar in the fight for a better society.
