By Omonigho Macaulay, Senior Correspondent
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a strong plea to address the enduring economic divides stemming from Nigeria’s colonial past, Senator Ned Nwoko of the Delta North Senatorial District has called for the swift implementation of laws advancing income parity. His petition focuses on abolishing the practice of paying foreign labourers in dollars, which has been a historical injustice that the country has suffered from for many years.
Historical Context:
Senator Ned Nwoko highlights the deep-seated income inequality stemming from the colonial era, where European settlers exploited Africa’s resources, marginalizing the local population. This exploitation was not only economic but also ingrained in social and political structures, creating a stark income gap based on race and colonial power dynamics.
Present-Day Injustices:
The Senator, also known as Prince Ned Nwoko, draws attention to the persisting inequalities in the treatment of foreign workers and local employees within Nigerian companies. The payment of foreign workers in dollars, compared to meager wages for Nigerian counterparts, mirrors the unjust colonial legacy. In addition to widening economic gaps, this practice perpetuates the centuries-old master-servant dynamic.
An Urgent Appeal for Action
Prince Ned Nwoko urgently demands an end to measures that devalue the local currency and calls for the Naira to be the only accepted form of payment in Nigeria. By doing this, he hopes to rectify past wrongs and alter economic systems that uphold the master-servant dynamic from the colonial era.
This plea is not just a call for policy change but a powerful assertion for economic justice, aiming to bridge the income gap and create a fair and equitable working environment for all Nigerian citizens.
The Instagram post remarks by Senator Ned Nwoko reads:
“Urgent Call For The Use Of Naira As The Only Legal Currency In Nigeria and To End Other Policies That Unfairly Disadvantage The Naira.”
“The glaring income inequality between foreign workers and their Nigerian counterparts within companies operating in Nigeria is a deeply concerning practice that perpetuates historical injustices rooted in the colonial legacy. This practice exacerbates existing economic disparities and reinforces the master-servant dynamic that has plagued the region for centuries.”
“Colonial Legacy and Economic Exploitation:
Historically, income inequality in Africa, including Nigeria, has been entrenched since the colonial era. European settlers exploited the vast resources of the continent while systematically marginalizing and impoverishing indigenous populations. This exploitation was not only economic but also deeply ingrained in social and political structures, leading to a stark income gap between Africans and their colonial overlords.”
“During colonial rule, Africans were often relegated to low-paying labour roles while Europeans enjoyed privileged positions with significantly higher incomes.”
“Of course this disparity was not based on merit or skill but rather on race and colonial power dynamics.”
“Unequal Treatment in the Present Day:
Even after gaining independence, the remnants of this unequal system persist, manifesting in the unequal treatment of foreign workers and local employees in Nigeria. The payment of foreign workers in dollars, while Nigerian colleagues receive wages far below the conversion rate, is a blatant example of this ongoing injustice.”
