NLC criticises global powers, says Africa burdened by debt and exploitation

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised major global economic powers, saying Africa remains weighed down by unsustainable sovereign debts, inequitable trade systems, and long-standing structural disadvantages.

The position was expressed as labour unions across the continent marked the 2025 African Industrialisation Day, with the NLC calling for renewed commitment to self-reliance and industrial development.

In a statement by the Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said Africa’s economic challenges persist despite its abundant natural resources and contributions to global industrial growth.

According to the statement, the continent continues to face “toxic insolvent sovereign debts, manufactured goods dependency, inequitable logistics and services, punitive global trade and financial structures, and outdated technology.”

Upah noted that the continent’s industrial potential has long been undermined by historical injustices and continued extraction of critical minerals without sufficient value addition.

He urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation, promote value-added production, and uphold labour rights, emphasising that sustainable development must be driven internally.

Referencing the call for African unity by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, Upah said the continent must take charge of its industrial progress and avoid overreliance on external assistance.

The NLC also linked Africa’s industrialisation efforts to the global climate agenda, urging world leaders attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to prioritise the Belem Action Mechanism (BAM), which integrates climate action, just energy transitions, affordable power, and industrial development.

The Congress stressed that improved governance, accountability, and a commitment to socio-economic transformation are essential for Africa to achieve meaningful industrial advancement.

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