The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has bemoaned the worsening state of Nigeria’s economy, saying that every sector in the country is battered and in decline.
The monarch, represented by labour and human rights activist Dr Comrade Auwalu Mudi Yakasai (Danmalikin Kano), made the remarks at the 51st regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting/training workshop of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which was held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.
According to Sanusi, the Nigerian labour movement is facing one of its most difficult periods in history and is no longer the outspoken defender of the masses it once was.
“Every other sphere of human endeavour in Nigeria is now being battered. The economy, social life, education, and health — all are going down,” the Emir said. “Even the labour movement is under a dwindling fortune.”
Sanusi described the current hardship in the country as unprecedented, pointing to recent increases in fuel prices and a steep economic downturn. He noted that in the past, labour unions were at the forefront of resisting anti-people policies and defending the rights of workers.
“In those days, labour was the vanguard of the struggle — united with student unions, market associations, and religious leaders. What is happening now? Labour seems to have lost its voice,” he queried.
Speaking to union leaders, he urged them to revisit the foundational principles of trade unionism — the three Cs: Cooperation, Contestation, and Confrontation — as tools to protect and advance workers’ rights.
“You start with cooperation. If that fails, move to contestation. And if that too fails, you confront. Confrontation has many forms — and strike action is just one of them.”
Sanusi’s delegate praised SSANU President Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim for encouraging open and democratic leadership by consistently engaging with members.
“Labour leaders now travel by air; it wasn’t so in our time. But that privilege must translate into improved welfare for union members,” he said.
Yakasai, who proudly identified as a Comrade, stressed the need for honour and sacrifice in unionism.
“Comrade is the title I cherish most. It cannot be bought — it must be earned through commitment to the struggle,” he stated.
He charged SSANU members to explore Kano during their stay, describing the state as peaceful, welcoming, and accommodating.
Sanusi concluded by applauding SSANU for preserving transparency and inclusive leadership, highlighting their regular NEC meetings as a model for other unions to follow.
