NASU, NLC Caution on Worker Exploitation in AI Age

Published Date : 12/10/2025 

The General Secretary of the National Association of School and College Teachers (NASU) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have called for ethical deployment of technology to prevent the exploitation of workers in the age of artificial intelligence. 

The General Secretary of the National Association of School and College Teachers (NASU), Dr. Emeka Nwosu, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a joint statement urging ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The statement, released on October 13, 2025, highlights the potential risks of AI and calls for measures to protect workers from exploitation and job displacement.

The statement comes at a time when the rapid advancement of AI technologies is transforming various sectors, including education, manufacturing, and healthcare. While AI offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of job security and worker rights.

Dr. Nwosu emphasized the need for a balanced approach to AI integration, stating, 'We must ensure that the deployment of AI is guided by ethical principles and does not lead to the exploitation of workers. It is crucial that workers are not left behind in the race for technological advancement.'

The NLC, led by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, echoed these sentiments and called for a comprehensive framework to regulate the use of AI in the workplace. 'We need policies that protect workers from unfair dismissal and ensure that they have the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies,' Wabba said.

The joint statement also addressed the issue of corruption in governance, which the organizations believe can be exacerbated by the misuse of AI. 'Corruption is a cancer that has plagued our nation for decades, and we must ensure that AI does not become a tool for furthering corrupt practices,' the statement read.

To address these concerns, NASU and NLC have proposed several measures, including:

1. Ethical Guidelines for AI Deployment : Developing and implementing ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is used in a manner that respects human rights and promotes social justice.

2. Worker Training and Education : Providing comprehensive training and education programs to help workers acquire the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

3. Regulatory Framework : Establishing a robust regulatory framework to oversee the use of AI in the workplace and protect workers from exploitation.

4. Transparency and Accountability : Ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of AI by requiring companies to disclose how they use AI and the impact it has on their workforce.

5. Support for Displaced Workers : Providing support and resources for workers who may be displaced by AI, including retraining programs and financial assistance.

The statement concluded with a call to all stakeholders, including government, industry leaders, and labor unions, to work together to create a future where AI is a force for good and not a tool for exploitation.

In a related development, the Nigerian government has announced plans to establish a national AI policy to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. The policy is expected to address key issues such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the impact of AI on the labor market.

Dr. Nwosu and Comrade Wabba expressed hope that the government's initiative would align with the recommendations made by NASU and NLC. 'We are optimistic that the government will take a proactive approach to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably and that the rights of workers are protected,' they said.

As the use of AI continues to grow, it is clear that the voices of labor organizations like NASU and NLC will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work in Nigeria. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main concern of NASU and NLC regarding AI in the workplace?

A: The main concern of NASU and NLC is the potential exploitation of workers and job displacement due to the rapid advancement of AI technologies.

Q: What measures have NASU and NLC proposed to address these concerns?

A: NASU and NLC have proposed ethical guidelines for AI deployment, worker training and education, a regulatory framework, transparency and accountability, and support for displaced workers.

Q: How does the misuse of AI relate to corruption in governance?

A: The misuse of AI can exacerbate corruption in governance by providing new tools for unethical practices, such as data manipulation and surveillance.

Q: What is the Nigerian government's plan regarding AI policy?

A: The Nigerian government plans to establish a national AI policy to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, addressing issues like data privacy, ethical considerations, and the impact on the labor market.

Q: What is the role of labor organizations like NASU and NLC in shaping the future of work in Nigeria?

A: Labor organizations like NASU and NLC play a crucial role in advocating for worker rights and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared equitably and that the rights of workers are protected. 

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