The Nigerian Constitution enshrines the fundamental human right to peaceful assembly and association. Ideally, these associations should contribute to the personal and collective development of their members. However, the reality often deviates from this ideal. Instead of voluntary participation, individuals are frequently compelled to join associations simply because their trade or service aligns with those offered by the other members who have identified with them.

In many cases, these associations primarily benefit those who established them for personal gain or those who have managed to climb to influential positions within them. Sadly, members are often coerced into compliance, which serves to perpetuate a cycle of extortion and exploitation through the payment of monthly dues with will end in the pockets of a few leaders.

Members are sometimes forced to join these groups to avoid embarrassment or harm, while some hope to ascend to higher ranks where they might reap the benefits of the exploitation themselves. Examples of such associations include the Market Women Association, Okada Riders Association, Road Transport Employers' Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigerian Witches, Nigeria Landlord Association, Hairdressers Association of British Columbia, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Bank Directors Association of Nigeria. All of these groups demand annual subscriptions that appear to serve mainly to enrich the leaders rather than support the members.

A recent viral video from a Nigerian market highlighted the coercive nature of these associations. The video depicts a market woman being told that she must not sell her garri cheaper than others, illustrating the control exerted by these groups over their members. You can view the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9L6WQF3sMo?si=uG7R596MljahZwME. It seems that these associations are more focused on extorting and controlling their members than on their welfare, with an expectation for everyone to conform to their collective evil practices of ripping the general public as seen in the increasing prices of goods in Nigeria on daily bases e.g rice, cement, bread, beans, fuel with everyone ceasing their opportunity to BLOW in a Do me I do you spree.
Who should be blamed for these demonic acts? The demonic people or the government that lacks control? A fish begins to get rotten from the head and the people would have been civil and moral in their dealings had the government done what is right and have put in place punishment for erring members.

As Christians, we are called to manifest the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and not the fruits of the devil (Galatians 5:19-21). The Apostle Paul warns against being unequally yoked with those who practice unrighteousness (2 Corinthians 6:14) and encourages transformation by renewing our minds and the nonconformity with evil of the world (associations) (Romans 12:2). Our faith should be reflected in our actions and decisions, not merely in ritual practices as it's stated in Matthew 7:16-20 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

My sister and I have faced numerous challenges, including having our sewing machines seized, because we refused to join the Tailors Association of Nigeria. This raises a critical question: Should people be forced to join associations where the supposed benefits are questionable or non-existent? For example, Okada riders pay daily dues yet receive no support when they are attacked and killed, their bikes are stolen or damaged due to poor road conditions.

It is essential for individuals to have the freedom to choose whether or not to join any association without facing coercion or exploitation. The current system of extortion and compulsion must end. People deserve the right to breathe freely and make their own choices regarding association membership.

From a concerned Nigerian.