Lagos, Feb. 9, 2026 (NAN) Labour expert, Mr Jamiu Akolade has described unionisation as a fundamental right of workers and a vital tool for balancing bargaining power between employers and employees in the workplace.
Akolade, a Trustee of the Employment and Labour Lawyers Association of Nigeria (ELLAN), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Lagos.
He said that unions provided a central platform through which workers could negotiate collectively for improved welfare and working conditions.
According to him, unionism also offers employers an organised structure for engagement, rather than dealing with individual employees.
“Unions should be seen as partners in progress, capable of fostering mutual benefits for both workers and organisations when properly managed,” he said.
According to the expert, the right to unionise is protected by law and the international labour conventions, noting that workers could not be compelled by employers or unions to join any association.
“The decision to join a union rests solely with the worker. Employers must not interfere with this right; such actions would amount to undue interference and could be challenged in court,” he said.
Akolade said that while workers have the freedom to unionise, unions must also respect the rights of employees who choose not to join, emphasising that the principle of choice must be upheld on all sides.
He stated that while the union has the right to inform eligible workers within its jurisdiction about membership, workers must be free to decide whether to join without any pressure from either the employer or the union.
The expert advised employers to prioritise workplace harmony by creating an enabling environment in which workers can freely exercise their rights.
He added that establishing parallel unions influenced by employers could be viewed as interference in workers’ freedom of association, and might undermine labour relations.
Akolade urged employers and employees to always respect the rule of law and adopt dialogue as the best approach to maintaining a peaceful and productive working environment. (NAN)
