In search of the ethical significance of human work in the contemporary nigerian scio-economic situation
In search of the ethical significance of human work in the contemporary nigerian scio-economic situation

Summary/Abstract: John Paul II’s Encyclical Letter Laborem Exercens is a deep personalist theory of human work. It seems to be an important instrument in rediscovering the ethical dimension of human work in the present socio-economic situation in Nigeria. The notion of work held by Nigerians in pre-colonial days was in consonance with the lines of work ethos portrayed by the Pope in Laborem exercens, stressing that man is the subject of work. Nigerians positive vision of work suffered greatly after contact with Western civilization. The corrupted notion of work can only be remedied by a virtuous affirmation of the subjectivity of the human person and viewing work as a means of self-actualization and self-fulfillment. Nigerians must discard the negative attitude to work that is demonstrated in their performance of white-collar jobs and strive for self-actualization in work to achieve maximum productivity for economic growth. And more importantly, the working class and the entire citizenry in Nigeria must be in solidarity in demanding accountability from the corrupt politicians so that the nation’s abundant resources be invested in the creation of much needed employment opportunities. This will eradicate the prevailing commodification of human labor in Nigeria and enthrone the consideration of work upon the plane of human dignity.

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