…NLC president decries economic hardship, seeks inclusiveness in policy formulation
…As labour urges FG to increase allocation to Lagos
… Plateau begins payment of N70,000 minimum wage
President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that his administration remained committed to prioritising the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The President said this in a post on his official X handle to mark the 2025 Workers’ Day, acknowledging the critical role of workers in national development.
“To every Nigerian worker, Happy Workers’ Day. You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth.
“Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.
“Here’s to everyone – young and old, entrepreneur or employee, in the private or public sector – whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear nation.
Happy Workers’ Day, Nigeria,” said Tinubu.
In another development, the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to increase the state’s allocation to cater to its high population.
The state Chairman of NLC, Mrs Funmi Sessi, made the call at the Workers Day celebrations held on Thursday at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos State.
“We use this medium to call on the Federal Government to give Lagos State more allocation because, as we are the most populous, we need more infrastructure.
“On daily basis, Lagos is the centre of unity for those who have been displaced from their states.
“The government continues to expend huge amount of money in the state to provide security for all these people.
“It will be fair on the state to be given more allocation, “ she said.
The labour leader also appealed to residents of the state to pay their taxes to enable the government to provide necessary facilities that would benefit them.
Sessi said: “Out of 33 million Lagosians, only 100,000 or more pay; in fact, let us state it that it is only public servants that are paying taxes.
“Please, if you do not pay your taxes, do not hold this government responsible to come and give you many facilities; we are encouraging you to pay your taxes.”
In his remarks, the state Chairman, Trade Union of Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, urged workers in the state to reclaim the civic space in line with the 2025 May Day theme.
Ekundayo urged the workers to collectively echo their voices to allow unions to grow stronger.
“We echo the call to reclaim our civic space amid economic hardship.
“Civic space is not merely the right to gather or speak; it is the soul of democracy.
“Today, inflation is rising, jobs are shrinking, and insecurity looms; yet, in this bleakness, we stand tall, demanding our right to participate, to challenge, to engage, “ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of rainfall, workers unions marched in their various colourful attires to celebrate Workers Day.
Workers’ Day: Ajaero decries economic hardship, calls for unity among workers.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday called for renewed unity among Nigerian workers in the face of economic hardship and policy challenges.
Ajaero made the appeal during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, while addressing the workers in the state of the labour movement.
The labour president described Nigerian workers as being at a crossroads amid a national crisis and a broader global assault on labour.
“The Nigerian worker stands against the backdrop of rising inequality, job losses, and deteriorating living standards.
“Capitalism continues to widen the gap between the rich and poor, while the state appears to enforce the policies of international financial institutions to the detriment of workers,” he said.
In spite of these challenges, he noted that the Nigerian labour movement remains the most vibrant in Africa, citing recent successes such as the negotiation of the National Minimum Wage and the growing unionisation of informal sector workers.
According to him, the expansion of union membership has strengthened the capacity of organised labour to engage the state and advocate for the rights of marginalised groups.
Ajaero emphasised that the struggle for workers’ rights must continue, particularly regarding the implementation of the N70,000 National Minimum Wage, which he said is being breached by several state governments and private sector employers.
“The law must be obeyed. We must begin a fresh push for not just compliance, but also for a comprehensive wage review to mitigate the hardship faced by Nigerian workers.”
He urged workers to remain resolute and committed to the cause of social justice.
“Our liberation will not be gifted, it must be won. The ruling class fears our unity, and we must continue to build a movement that demands its rightful share, not just crumbs,” Ajaero said.
Referencing historical sacrifices made by Nigerian workers, including those who died resisting slavery abroad, Ajaero called for collective defiance against poor governance, poverty, and injustice.
“No hunger! No to hardship! No to bad governance! These must be our rallying cries,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the duty of the trade union to be the voice of the voiceless.
“We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and we must never be complicit,” he said.
Civic space is not merely the right to gather or speak; it is the soul of democracy.
“Today, inflation is rising, jobs are shrinking, and insecurity looms; yet, in this bleakness, we stand tall, demanding our right to participate, to challenge, to engage, “ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of rainfall, workers unions marched in their various colourful attires to celebrate Workers Day.
May Day: Labour seeks inclusiveness in policy making
The Organised Labour on Thursday called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents.
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
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