For Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted, former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and past President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), October 1 holds deep personal significance. The date marks not only Nigeria’s Independence Day but also his birthday — a coincidence that now fills him with mixed emotions.
> “I’m happy I was born on October 1, but I’m not happy I share the same birthday with Nigeria,” he said. “While I’m moving forward, the country is going backward.”
From Riverine Hardship to Union Leadership
Nted’s life story is one of perseverance, faith, and unrelenting determination. Born to the family of Thomas and Felicia Nted in Autoboot, a riverine village in today’s Rivers State, his early years were marked by hardship and struggle.
Growing up with his elder brother, he had no stable home and often did menial jobs — carrying loads and doing odd work — just to survive. Despite financial challenges, he remained committed to education. He attended Government Primary School, Agwut-Obolo, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate, before moving to Warri, Delta State.
There, he continued his studies at the Institute of Continuing Education, where he obtained his GCE, followed by an OND and HND in Public Administration — achievements made possible through family sacrifices and the goodwill of others.
By providence, Nted found himself drawn into labour union activities. His passion for justice and fairness quickly propelled him into leadership. Against the odds, and despite opposition, he rose to become President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, a position he held with distinction for over two decades.
Throughout his career, he became known for his philosophy of discipline through kindness and leadership rooted in love and humility.
> “I never insulted anyone, no matter their mistake,” he said. “If someone did something wrong, I corrected them politely. Leadership is about love, kindness, and humility.”
Reflections at 65: “The People Are Suffering”
At 65, Nted is less focused on his past achievements and more concerned about Nigeria’s present struggles. He expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions faced by ordinary citizens.
> “It has been very tough for me and my family, but I thank God daily because my sufficiency is in His hands, not in man’s. Things have been rough in this country, yet leaders keep saying the economy is improving. The truth is that people are suffering.”
He noted that while Nigeria’s economic challenges didn’t start under President Bola Tinubu, leadership requires taking full responsibility rather than blaming predecessors.
> “Once you accept leadership, you must take responsibility. You can’t keep blaming those before you. Nigerians want results, not excuses. Every day I get over 200 calls from people begging for food. People are starving. Reforms that don’t touch the ordinary people are meaningless.”
Nted urged political leaders to lead with sincerity or step aside.
> “If you know you cannot manage, don’t accept leadership. Stop blaming the past. Nigerians are tired of excuses. Do the job or quit.”
Corruption and Moral Decay
The veteran labour leader also decried the deepening corruption and moral decline in both political and religious spaces. He criticized the lavish lifestyles of some religious leaders, accusing them of neglecting their struggling members.
> “Did God ask for money to buy private jets? No. That money should go to the needy. Every day people are hungry, yet pastors are buying jets. It is wrong.”
On governance, he lamented the culture of impunity that allows corruption to thrive.
> “Billions are being stolen daily and nothing happens. If corruption cases continue to go unpunished, agencies like the EFCC will become toothless bulldogs.”
Youth and Nigeria’s Future
Looking toward the future, Nted expressed concern over the attitude of many young Nigerians toward politics and governance.
> “The future belongs to the youth, but many are selling their votes for small amounts, destroying their own tomorrow. Until both leaders and citizens change, Nigeria will keep moving backward.”
A Life of Gratitude
Despite his criticisms of the system, Comrade Nted remains deeply grateful for how far he has come — from the riverbanks of poverty to national leadership and now a peaceful retirement at 65.
> “Celebrating my birthday today and thanking God is one of my greatest achievements,” he said. “When God helps you overcome challenges and reach milestones, you must keep giving thanks.”
For Nted, the message at 65 is simple but powerful: true leadership is responsibility, reforms must touch the common man, and love and humility remain the greatest tools for national transformation.
