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By Bimbola Oyesola
With Artificial Intelligence permeating every aspect of the global economy, Nigerian workers have been challenged to see its advent as a tool to improve their productivity or be left behind by the rest of the world.
President of the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN), Segun Samson David, in his address at the association’s 30th Annual National Management and Industrial Relations Seminar in Abeokuta, Ogun State, urged Nigerian workers to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for empowerment, rather than a threat to job security.
Addressing union members, industry leaders, and invited guests, David expressed deep appreciation for attendees’ commitment despite Nigeria’s challenging economic climate. “I’m impressed by your commitment and unwavering support. Despite the security and economic challenges bedevilling our nation, you all made it here,” he said.
He said the seminar themed, “AI Technological Revolution on Industrial Relations Practices: Opportunities and Challenges for Chemical and Non-Metallic Products”—was intentionally chosen to confront the fast-growing influence of AI in workplaces. David stated that technology is no longer a distant reality, but a defining factor in productivity and competitiveness.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, redefining skills, and reshaping industrial relations,” he noted. “For manufacturing especially, AI has driven a significant rise in efficiency and competitiveness.”
David emphasised that although AI offers massive opportunities, it also demands proactive preparation from workers and stakeholders. “AI is not something we should fear. Instead, we must learn how to maximise its benefits for our growth, safety, and sustainability,” he said, urging employers and employees to invest in training and upskilling.
This year’s seminar, he stated, will address critical issues such as stress and mental-health management, job security, workplace safety, self-sustainability, and redundancy. “The pressures of modern work demand not only skill but resilience and balance,” he explained. “AI has not come to take away our jobs, it needs human beings to finalise and implement what technology proposes.”
Declaring the gathering a “call to action,” David encouraged workers to embrace innovation while protecting the dignity and future of labour. “Technology must serve humanity. Workers must remain at the centre of progress,” he said. Turning to the state of Nigeria’s economy, David painted a sobering picture of persistent inflation, weakened purchasing power, and deteriorating living standards. Although headline inflation reportedly dropped from 20.12% to 18.02% year-on-year, he stressed that the cost of essential goods remains painfully high. “Food, energy, transport, everything is biting hard. Nigerians are cutting back on necessities just to survive,” he lamented.
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He also condemned Nigeria’s lingering infrastructure failures, singling out unreliable power supply, poor logistics, and security disruptions as obstacles to economic recovery. “Power shortages continue to limit manufacturing growth. Our roads, railways, and ports face serious constraints,” he remarked.
David warned that Nigeria’s security crisis remains a major deterrent to investment. “No serious investor will put money in an unsafe environment,” he declared, calling on the government to collaborate more effectively with global partners to strengthen national stability.
He insisted that fiscal discipline, transparency, and targeted social investment must become national priorities.
Adding his voice to security concerns, the President of NUCFRLANMPE, Bolarinwa Olusola Sunday, issued a stern caution regarding foreign intervention.
“We must be awake and enlightened. The idea that the US is coming to rescue us is a trap. Our resources will be tampered with, and they will take us down,” he warned.
Sunday also echoed the need for ongoing worker training, asserting that AI is only the beginning of future technological disruptions. “AI won’t be our last encounter. More advanced innovations are coming. If we don’t prepare, we will be replaced,” he said.
David later applauded Nigerite Limited for donating 1,185 roofing sheets worth ₦8.9 million to support the CANMPSSAN Guest House project.
He praised the gesture as a model for other affiliate companies to emulate in strengthening union infrastructure.
In his closing remarks, the CANMPSSAN President thanked the Central Working Committee, the National Executive Council, staff, resource persons, and participants for sustaining the association’s vision. He then declared the seminar officially open. “Together, we will continue to build a future where technology strengthens, rather than weakens the Nigerian worker,” he affirmed.
