The National Union of Nigerian Welders (NUNIWE) has expressed concern over the growing dominance of expatriates in the country’s welding industry, warning that the trend is displacing local professionals and worsening unemployment.
The alarm was raised by NUNIWE’s National President, Comrade Peter Iniobong, during the presentation of the union’s certification registration in Lagos.
Iniobong alleged that skilled workers from countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Turkey are increasingly occupying jobs meant for qualified Nigerians, in violation of the nation’s employment quota regulations.
He stressed that while the union is not opposed to foreign professionals working in Nigeria, their presence should not undermine local workers’ opportunities.
“We are not against expatriates working in Nigeria; we regard them as our global colleagues. However, we must work together to counter the divide-and-rule tactics of capitalists whose only goal is profit, often at the expense of labour,” he said.
“Despite our qualifications, expertise, and experience, Nigerian welders are being denied opportunities in their own country. This trend undermines our skills and potential, while deepening unemployment and economic hardship.”
His remarks echoed earlier concerns by Uche Nnaji, a former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, about the unequal treatment of local welders compared to their foreign counterparts.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ismail Bello, condemned the exploitation of informal sector workers. He cited the case of private security guards, many of whom earn between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000 monthly—well below the ₦70,000 minimum wage—and called for stronger unionisation across all sectors to secure fair wages, pensions, and workplace safety.
