Trade unionism needs critical minds, not just agitators — CITAD

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged trade unions and labour leaders to move beyond routine protests and agitation, and instead embrace critical engagement with politics and public policy.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day training in Kano, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z. Ya’u, made several key points:

✅ Broader vision for unionism

The training is not just about improving bargaining skills but about deepening unionists’ intellectual and political understanding of the structures that affect workers’ lives.

Trade union members should develop critical thinking to analyze systems and propose effective solutions.

✅ Beyond bread-and-butter issues

Unions should link workplace struggles to wider national policy debates.

Engr. Ya’u emphasized the need for unions to actively follow political trends and policy changes, which directly impact their members.

✅ Active and critical membership

Warned that unions risk becoming irrelevant and docile if their members remain passive and disengaged.

A culture of accountability and critical engagement can help restore unions’ independence and vitality.

✅ Part of a larger mission

CITAD aims to build a politically conscious citizenry capable of meaningful societal change—not just through election and budget monitoring, but through deeper civic engagement.

Finally, Ya’u encouraged participants to reflect, share experiences, and take these lessons back to their unions and communities to spark broader transformation.