By Joke Kujenya and Rosheedat Akunkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
. . .Labour Day Sparks National Calls for Wage Reform Amid Soaring Cost of Living
SCORES of Nigerian workers troop out today in commemoration of the International Workers’ Day (IWD).
In solidarity, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu extended commendations to Nigerian workers on Wednesday, praising their role in national development even as inflation and stagnating wages strain household incomes.
Akpabio, in a statement through his media adviser acknowledged the central role of Nigerian workers in sustaining the economy and pledged legislative support to safeguard their rights.
“We in the National Assembly will not shirk our responsibility,” he stated. “Together with the executive, we’ll address workers’ concerns and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
The Senate President assured that no worker would face victimisation for lawfully demanding their rights or seeking legal redress.
First Lady Remi Tinubu, in her own message, emphasised the importance of honouring labour and building inclusive economic opportunities.
“Across all sectors, Nigerian workers remain the driving force behind our progress,” she said. “This year’s celebration reminds us of the dignity of labour and the need for fairness.”
Labour Unions Decry Broken Promises, Demand Living Wage
Despite these high-level accolades, labour unions nationwide sounded the alarm on deteriorating working conditions, accusing the government of failing to honour its own pledges.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) criticised the federal and state governments over the delayed implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, introduced by President Bola Tinubu in 2024. Many states and private employers have yet to comply, citing operational costs.
Union leaders warned that workers were faring worse under the Tinubu administration, pointing to spiralling living costs triggered by the removal of petrol subsidies and naira devaluation.
“This celebration comes with hardship,” TUC Chairman Comrade Akeem Lasisi said. “Workers are going through hell. Government must act urgently.”
Ogun State Celebrates Reforms But Labour Calls for More Action
In Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun used the Workers’ Day platform to unveil the state’s labour initiatives, highlighting over ₦179.7 billion spent on pensions and gratuities since 2019 and ₦8 billion in palliatives between July 2023 and March 2024.
He also announced the development of a 350-hectare estate to support workers’ access to affordable housing, under the newly launched Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats Estate scheme.
“We have cleared the pension backlog and aligned payments with salaries,” the governor said. “Our administration remains worker-friendly and committed to improving welfare.”
While commending the progress, Ogun NLC Chairman Hameed Benco called for further interventions including low-cost housing, interest-free loans, and market price regulation to cushion inflationary shocks.
Delta Workers Urged to ‘Reclaim Civic Space’ Amid Hardship
In Asaba, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, urged workers to remain vocal and engaged in civic matters.
“The theme—‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship’—is a powerful call to action,” he said. “Despite global pressures, we are committed to policies that empower and reward workers.”
He outlined strides under his M.O.R.E. Agenda, including prompt salary payments, pension reforms, entrepreneurship initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades.
The governor introduced a whistle-blower protection policy to promote transparency in governance, assuring workers of open dialogue with government.
Delta labour leaders Comrades Goodluck Ofobruku (NLC) and Martins Bolum (TUC) acknowledged the administration’s support but stressed the urgency of sustained advocacy as workers face deepening economic strain.
Nationwide Protests and Celebration Mark May Day
Across Nigeria, May Day events drew rallies, parades, and protests. In Rivers State, the NLC called for mass resistance to the state of emergency imposed in the region.
From North to South, the mood oscillated between celebration and agitation as workers pressed for justice, wage implementation, and improved living standards.
The 2025 Workers’ Day underlined a clear national divide: leaders offering assurances and reforms, and workers demanding action—not just applause.
