Being an Anti-Capitalist HR Pro in Nigeria: Yes, it’s possible

Dear readers!

I want to talk about a topic that tugs at my heart in so many ways: how HR can be an anti-capitalist tool in the Nigerian context.

Yes, you heard me right! anti-capitalist.

Before you close this tab or report me to the authorities, let me explain.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Being an anti-capitalist HR professional in Nigeria is like trying to ride a unicycle in a tornado.

It’s hard, it’s messy, and sometimes you feel like you might fall off and lose your mind. But, it’s worth it.

You see, capitalism in Nigeria (and the world at large, for that matter) has created a system that is deeply unequal, oppressive, and unfair. The wealth gap is wider than a river, and the poor are left with just crumbs.

As an HR professional, your job is to manage the people within an organization. This gives you a unique opportunity to play your part in subverting the capitalist structure by advocating for better conditions for workers, fair pay, and more.

As you may know, Nigeria is a country that suffers from endemic corruption, inequality, poverty, and insecurity.

According to Transparency International, Nigeria ranked 149 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2020, with a score of 25 out of 100.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria had a Gini coefficient of 35.1 in 2019, meaning that there is a high level of income disparity among its population.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria had a poverty headcount ratio of 40.1% in 2019, meaning that about 83 million Nigerians lived below the national poverty line of N137,430 ($351) per year.

And that was back in 2019!!! 4 years ago!

**Pause here and think about what the statistics are currently in 2023!

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2020, Nigeria ranked third out of 163 countries in terms of the impact of terrorism, with a score of 8.597 out of 10.

I don’t mean to alarm you with these numbers.

However,

These are not just numbers; they are realities that affect millions of Nigerians every day.

And they are largely caused by the system of capitalism that dominates our economy and society.

Capitalism is a system that prioritizes profit over people, exploits workers and resources, creates and maintains class divisions and oppression, fuels violence and instability, and destroys our environment and culture.

Capitalism is a system that benefits a few at the expense of many.

But what can we do about it? How can we challenge this system and create a more just and humane society?

Well, one way is to use our roles as HR professionals as an anti capitalist tool.

Yes, you heard me right again: HR can be an anti capitalist tool. How? Let me tell you.

First, HR can be an anti capitalist tool by promoting fair and decent work conditions for all employees.

This means ensuring that workers are paid a living wage.

• That they have access to social protection and benefits,
• That they have safe and healthy workplaces, that they have opportunities for training and development,
• That they have a voice and representation in decision-making processes, and that they are treated with dignity and respect.

By doing this, HR can challenge the exploitation and alienation that capitalism imposes on workers and foster a culture of solidarity and empowerment among them.

Second, HR can be an anti capitalist tool by advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

This means ensuring that workers from different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected.

• That they have equal opportunities for recruitment, promotion, and recognition,
• That they have access to mentoring and support networks,
• That they have space for expression and creativity, and that they are protected from discrimination and harassment.

By doing this, HR can challenge the inequality and oppression that capitalism creates and maintains among different groups of people, and foster a culture of respect and appreciation for diversity.

These are just some of the ways that HR can be an anti capitalist tool in the Nigerian context.

Of course, this is not an easy task; it requires courage, commitment, and creativity from HR professionals who want to make a difference.

It also requires collaboration with other actors who share the same vision of a better world.

But it is not impossible; it is possible if we believe in ourselves and in our potential as agents of change.

In conclusion, HR can be a powerful tool for fighting against capitalism in Nigeria.

The road may be rocky, but it’s worth it.

We need more anti-capitalist HR pros and more of the spirit of togetherness. Small efforts can help create a massive impact. Let’s make the dream of an equitable society a reality by working together.

At The HR Hub Nigeria, we believe in challenging the status quo and reimagining the role of HR professionals in Nigeria. In a country where capitalism often dominates the corporate landscape, we proudly advocate for an anti-capitalist approach to human resources.

Embracing our ethos means recognizing the power imbalances that exist within traditional HR practices and striving for a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, where we redefine what it means to be an HR professional in Nigeria.

Through our innovative strategies and forward-thinking solutions, we aim to dismantle oppressive systems and foster an environment that prioritizes employee well-being and collective growth.

Join The HR Hub Nigeria today and discover a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to revolutionizing HR practices in Nigeria.

Together, let’s create a workplace that empowers individuals, embraces diversity, and challenges the capitalist narrative.

It’s time to unleash the true potential of HR in Nigeria.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about being an anti-capitalist HR pro in Nigeria. It’s not easy to balance your values and your career, but it’s possible with some creativity and courage.

Until next time,

Jennie