He revealed that the two major labour unions at the time were allegedly funded by rival foreign powers—one by the Soviet-era KGB and the other by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Obasanjo found this unacceptable for a sovereign nation and initiated reforms to unify the labour movement under a single, nationally controlled structure. He appointed Justice Adebiyi to oversee the process, which led to the creation of the NLC as a unified body funded and managed by Nigerians.
Obasanjo recalled skepticism from some labour leaders, including Summonu, who questioned his involvement in labour matters. However, the reforms allowed workers to freely elect their leaders without government interference, with Summonu becoming the first elected NLC president. Obasanjo praised Summonu’s contributions to consolidating labour leadership in Nigeria and expanding its influence across Africa.
The event also addressed contemporary labour issues, such as Nigeria’s new tax laws. Current NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed concerns about the tax burden on minimum wage workers, prompting former NLC leader and senator Adams Oshiomhole to urge labour leaders to actively challenge unjust policies rather than merely lamenting them. Oshiomhole emphasized the importance of collaboration with civil society to fight for workers’ rights.
The gathering highlighted the enduring role of organized labour in Nigeria’s development and ongoing debates over workers’ welfare, taxation, and governance. Obasanjo also mentioned writing the foreword to Summonu’s new book, acknowledging his legacy in labour activism and democratic engagement.
