By National Record
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commended Nigerian workers for their unwavering patriotism and resilience in the face of economic challenges, pledging decisive measures to alleviate hardship and foster inclusive governance.
The President’s message was delivered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammed Dingyadi, during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Tinubu Praises Workers, Pledges Economic Relief
Addressing the gathering under this year’s theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Tinubu lauded workers as the “backbone of society” and the driving force behind Nigeria’s economy.
He acknowledged the severe struggles faced by citizens, including rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, and the pressure to provide for families.
“Economic hardship is a global challenge, but we are committed to mitigating its impact on Nigerians,” Tinubu assured.
He added: “This administration will implement policies to promote job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic stability while protecting the most vulnerable.”
The President emphasized the need for a “vibrant civic space” where workers’ rights to organize, advocate, and participate in policymaking are upheld.
He vowed to strengthen labour protections, ensure fair treatment, and foster transparency, inclusivity, and dialogue in governance.
Organised Labour Demands Policy Inclusiveness, Decries Rights Erosion
In a joint address by organised labour, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero and his counterpart of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, called for urgent government action to safeguard workers’ rights and include labour in critical policy decisions.
Comrade Ajaero condemned the alleged suppression of protests and shrinking civic freedoms, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk if citizens cannot freely demand accountability.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development,” he declared, adding: “We must resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that erode our dignity.”
Ajaero highlighted the labour movement’s recent successes, including the N70,000 minimum wage agreement, but lamented non-compliance by some states and private employers.
“The law must be obeyed,” he insisted on minimum wage implementation, demanding a fresh push for wage reviews to counter worsening living conditions.
He rallied workers to remain defiant against inequality and poor governance, invoking historic struggles for workers’ rights.
“Our liberation will not be gifted — it must be won. The ruling class fears our unity,” Ajaero asserted, urging collective action against hunger, hardship, and injustice.
Osifo reinforced the message, describing workers as the nation’s “educators, builders, farmers, and innovators” who sustain the economy.
Osifo urged unity among workers to reclaim their civic space and push back against repressive policies.
A Battle for Workers’ Survival
As Nigeria grapples with economic turbulence, this year’s May Day underscored a critical juncture for labour-government relations.
While Tinubu’s promises offer hope, organized labour may have drawn a clear line on policies which must be inclusive, on rights that must be protected, and the non-negotiable nature of workers’ welfare — but all these are factors to be determined by a proactive, conscientious, responsive and responsible trade union movement.
The NLC and TUC must therefore go beyond rhetoric and walk their talk as echoed in Comrade Ajaero’s closing words: “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity—we must never be complicit.”
