Labour, Civil Society Support New Pro-Democracy Coalition

Organised labour, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders, politicians and pro-democracy advocates on Wednesday declared support for the newly launched Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), a coalition aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance in Nigeria.

The movement was formally inaugurated in Abuja with participants drawn from across the country, united by what organisers described as a shared commitment to democratic accountability, citizen participation and national development.

Speaking on behalf of organised labour, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council, Steven Nabayi, said the labour movement would support any initiative that promotes credibility, integrity and democratic values.

According to Nabayi, organised labour sees the coalition’s co-chairman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as an ally in the broader struggle to deepen democracy and protect the interests of Nigerian workers.

“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country.

Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” Nabayi said.

The event attracted labour leaders, civil society representatives, youth organisations, women groups and political stakeholders, all of whom pledged support for the objectives of the movement.

In his address, Olawepo-Hashim said the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), was established to defend democracy, strengthen public institutions, and ensure governance remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

He commended workers, youth groups, women leaders and civil society actors for their commitment to democratic values and nation-building.

He warned that rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira were steadily eroding workers’ incomes, arguing that wage increases would continue to lose value if purchasing power was not strengthened.

To address the challenges, he called for policies to stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local manufacturing, and improve energy security through increased domestic refining capacity.

Hashim also urged stronger collaboration between organised labour, civil society groups and what he described as “true progressive political forces,” noting that labour had historically played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles.

“Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind.

“Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” he said.

He further expressed concern over Nigeria’s security situation, calling on government at all levels to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.