The Nigerian Motor Transport Union Strike of 1937

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The Nigerian Motor Transport Union Strike of 1937
Author:	Ogunremi, G.O.
Year:	1978
Periodical:	Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria
Volume:	9
Issue:	2
Period:	June
Pages:	127-144
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	strikes 1937 road transport Labor and Employment History and Exploration
Abstract:	During the 1930 the colonial administration in Nigeria tried to protect the railway from road competition so that the former Blight pay its way. But because this was to the detriment of road transport, the Nigerian Motor Transporters made a strong protest which culminated in a strike in January 1937. The present article discusses this topic in three parts. The first part deals with what led to the strike - the growing importance of road transport vis-à-vis the need to protect the railway which was neither able to make a profit not even pay its way bat which was actually being run at a loss. The second part concentrates on the strike - the involvement of the Nigerian Youth Movement, the Nigerian Motor Transport Union and especially of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was a strong member of both unions. The third part discusses the role of motor transport and the need for coordination of all forms of transport for the benefit of the whole economy. Notes, tab.