PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF NIGERIAN WORKERS AND A TENDENCY TOWARDS OPPORTUNIST SYNDICALISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

This paper examines workers’ psychological well-being and syndicalism within the context of Nigeria’s contemporary socioeconomic challenges. It adopts a qualitative desk-based approach to analyse the effects of economic hardship on workers, labour activism, and their implications for personnel psychology. Using syndicalism as the analytical framework, the paper highlights the contributions of labour activism to workers’ welfare, improved conditions of service, and socioeconomic reforms, while also examining the potential consequences of violent or destabilising forms of activism. The analysis emphasises the need for constructive government-labour relations, responsible labour advocacy, improved workers’ welfare, and appropriate mentoring and counselling interventions. It concludes that sustained dialogue, ethical labour practices, and collaborative stakeholder engagement are essential for promoting workers’ psychological well-being, industrial peace, and socioeconomic stability in Nigeria.