Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, has urged organised labour unions to strengthen internal unity and prioritise the welfare of their members over individual ambitions.
Speaking in Abuja when he received the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN), Dr Dingyadi cautioned that allowing personal interests to overshadow collective goals weakens unions and undermines the well-being of workers.
A statement issued by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia, said the Minister praised NASWDEN for embracing unity and prioritising harmony. He commended its leaders for resisting division and for working towards the collective good of members.
“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,” Dr Dingyadi stated.
He assured the association of government support as it prepares to elect new leaders under a united vision, reminding them that leadership is ultimately about 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,” he added.
NASWDEN’s National President, Uko Iwaudofia, acknowledged that unity was restored through the collective resolve of members and with the Minister’s “invaluable support.” He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting members’ welfare and amplifying their voices.
Also speaking, a founding member of NASWDEN, Aminu Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s swift intervention in resolving the union’s internal crisis, crediting him with helping restore peace and stability within the organisation.
