- Collection:
- Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University Theses and Dissertations
- Title:
- The Nigerian working class and politics: an analysis of trade unionism in Nigeria 1940 to 1988, 1989
- Creator:
- Elufiede, Babafemi O.
- Date of Original:
- 1989-07-01
- Subject:
- Degrees, Academic
Dissertations, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
dissertations - Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- This dissertation has two major objectives: one, to analyze the experience of organized labor in relation with the Nigerian political class, and two, to study the opinions of Nigerian workers on whether socialism would be viable in the 1990s. These two objectives were investigated by seeking the perceptions, views and attitudes of workers about the politics, economy and general welfare. The study was carried out through the use of an accidential survey based on local conditions. Interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered. Labor leaders were interviewed and questionnaires were administered to two categories of Nigerian workers: those who as at the time of the survey were members and those who were non-members of trade unions. Both primary and secondary sources were utilized. The findings showed that Nigerian workers were exploited and oppressed in both pre and post independence Nigeria-under both civilian and military regimes. In addition to the exploitation and oppression of workers, labor movements were subordinated under the military regimes. However, during the short period of the oil boom, the relationship between the military regime and labor was good as exemplified by the Adebo and Udoji awards. Then low levels of unemployment, abundance of public goods at relatively affordable prices coupled with government funding of the labor movement made the relation between labor and government cordial. But the present economic situation has created an uneasy relationship between labor movements and government. Total subordination has resulted in the frustration of workers and the labor union. In conclusion, mistrust was the kindest word with which the workers characterize their view of the political class and union leaders in the survey responses. The question about the desirability of socialism in spite of its egalitarian principles was rejected by the workers surveyed. The study concludes, therefore, that ideology does not matter as much as concerns for a leadership totally committed to providing basic human needs to the masses. In other words, Nigerian workers are more preoccupied with the acquisition of basic human needs than with ideology.
Date of award: 7/1/1989
Degree type: dissertation
Degree name: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Granting institution: Atlanta University
Department: Department of Political Science - Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:1989_elufiede_babafemi_o
- Holding Institution:
- Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
- Rights:
-
