ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the engagement of organised labour with the political process in Nigeria, arguing that there is an urgent need to rethink the mode of engagement such that the overriding interests of all members of the movement would determine what to do and the appropriate structures to use in engaging the political process. It analyses how best to ensure a more rewarding involvement for Nigerian workers and not just a few middle-level benefit captors who parade themselves as labour leaders. In examining the question of labour involvement in politics, the chapter looks at the essence of trade unionism within a theoretical model or framework of the trade union movement. The Nigerian trade union movement is too weak to take on the might of the state. This weakness is a function of both internal and external developments. Some of the internal developments include weak organisational structure and capability, lack of committed leadership and indifference of union members.
