By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan, and other reports
In their numbers, public and private sector workers converged on the Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and indeed all parts of the country, today for this year’s international Labour Day.
The Federal Government (FG) had within the week announced the day as a public holiday.
Employees unionized under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) took part in the celebration.
At the Eagle Square Abuja, workers, who arrived in different types of vehicles, were spotted chanting solidarity songs.
Most of them were seen with placards bearing inscriptions of their various unions.
The workers, many visibly in high spirits, wore attires depicting the unions they are affiliated to.
The 2025 Labour (or May) Day came just months after the President Bola Tinubu-led FG upped the National Minimum Wage to N70,000, following nationwide strikes and subsequent negotiations with labour leaders.
Workers’ fight for a review of the wage came in the wake of Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Nonetheless, the persisting high inflationary rate has,in the view of many workers, rubbished the new minimum wage, with many still agitating for a further upward review.
Every Labour Day is dedicated internationally to commemorate workers’ efforts and their contributions to nation-building.
Akpabio Hails Nigerian Workers’ Resilience
President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended workers for their productivity, diligence, commitment to duty and resilience even in the face of socio-economic challenges.
Akpabio, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers, noting that they have always prioritised nation above any consideration.
“Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers. We, in the Senate and of course, the National Assembly, acknowledge your invaluable contributions to our nation’s development.
“I commend your resilience in the face of challenges and recognise your role in driving our economy forward. Despite obvious challenges, you remain the backbone of our economy. I salute your unwavering commitment to excellence and productivity. Your contributions are vital to our nation’s progress,” the nation’s number three citizen stated.
The Senate President assured that the 10th National Assembly, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare, security, safety and condition of service, noting that labour-friendly legislations will be accorded their deserved attention.
Akpabio also promised to ensure that the rights of workers are duly guaranteed and complied with, adding that “under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be victimised on account of expressing himself or herself either in demanding for their rights or seeking legal redress.”
The Senate President added: “I must say that Nigerian workers are our pride and we will not shirk our responsibility working together with the Executive to address workers’ concerns and create opportunities for growth and prosperity. Together, we shall build a brighter future for Nigerian workers and our great nation.
“On behalf of my family, constituents and the 10th National Assembly, I heartily rejoice with the workers and wish them a fruitful and peaceful celebration.”
Reduce Inflation, Improve Workers’ Purchasing Power –NNPP Chieftain Oguntoyinbo
Also reacting to the May Day, South-West chieftain of opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, called on governments at different levels to reduce inflation and improve workers’ purchasing power, economic growth and development.
Oguntoyinbo said rise in salaries of workers might not be the solution to their plight, if the current galloping inflation was allowed to continue, urging governments to think out of the box and ensure that workers live a descent life.
Workers’ Day is an annual day of celebration of the labour movement and its achievements.
The NNPP stalwart, who is an employer of labour, a friend and supporter of labour movement, in a statement to mark this year’s Workers Day, which copies were made available to journalists, said he rejoiced with workers and shared in their pains, due to current economic hardship.
The statement read in part: “I rejoice with Nigerian workers as they celebrate their day on Thursday May 1, 2025. I share in your joy and equally share your pains due to the current economic hardship.
“We appreciate your contributions to the country and wish you a successful celebration. Let me use the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day to appeal to both the state governments and the Federal Government to improve the purchasing power of the workers.
“Nigerian workers deserve our appreciation and respect for their contributions to the development of our country. I also salute them for their patriotic cooperation with the government and other institutions in the collective efforts to address societal challenges.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that labour creates wealth for the nation, the more reason that the welfare of the Nigerian workers should always be accorded priority.
“Increment in salaries alone without a corresponding value will not end the workers’ suffering. The current galloping inflation should be halted by the governments, so that workers can enjoy the good value of their hard – earned income.
“Governments should assist the workers by bringing down the prices of good and services as this would buoy the workers’ purchasing power.”
