••President vows to address high living costs and fight corruption, while labor unions demand salary
By OBSERVERS TIMES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 2025 May Day address at Eagles Square, Abuja, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving Nigerians’ welfare by addressing the soaring cost of living and intensifying the fight against corruption.
Speaking through Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, Tinubu recognized the economic hardships facing workers and pledged targeted policies to promote job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic stability.
“Economic hardship is a global challenge, but our spirit remains unbroken,”* he said. *”We are committed to creating an environment where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered.”
The president underscored the importance of reclaiming civic space for dialogue, transparency, and inclusivity, emphasizing workers’ rights to organise and participate in governance. He assured continuous efforts to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and address underemployment.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu hailed Nigerian workers as the backbone of national development, while key government officials, including Head of Civil Service Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lauded the workforce’s contributions.
Organised labour, however, used the occasion to call for urgent salary adjustments to offset the impact of inflation and rising living costs. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leader Festus Osifo demanded reversal of unconstitutional emergency rule in Rivers State, fair taxation, and implementation of wage increases aligned with current realities.
Labour Demands Salary Review, Security Improvements.
The labour movement highlighted worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and social inequality as major concerns. They urged government to halt policies undermining civic freedoms and to prioritize workers’ survival over corporate profits.
NLC and TUC also called for transparency in governance, electoral reforms, and improved infrastructure and essential services. They noted Nigeria’s low Human Development Index ranking and rising poverty levels, with over 115 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty.
Governors and Leaders Celebrate Workers’ Contributions.
Several governors across the country reiterated their commitment to workers’ welfare and recognised their critical role in development:
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised workers’ dedication and promised policies for job creation and economic growth.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos as the highest paying subnational government and highlighted investments in training and capacity building.
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced clearing of pension and gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations.
Kano Governor Abba Yusuf unveiled a new minimum wage of N71,000 for civil servants to cushion economic hardships.
Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa** highlighted recruitment of over 3,000 workers and payment of gratuity backlogs.
Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo increased the state’s minimum wage to N75,000.
Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya praised workers as the engine room of governance and emphasized fair wages.
Labour Unions Praise Governors, Demand Action.
In Bayelsa, labour unions commended Governor Douye Diri for his pro-worker policies and received two new buses from the state government.
In Osun State, workers endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, applauding his administration’s support for pensions and welfare.
Conversely, the Rivers State TUC boycotted Workers’ Day celebrations in protest against the federal government’s emergency rule in the state, calling it unconstitutional.
Security and Economic Challenges Overshadow Celebrations.
In Plateau and Ekiti States, May Day was observed amid sombre reflections on recent terror attacks and insecurity. Labour leaders called on governments to prioritize citizens’ safety and address economic hardships exacerbated by subsidy removals and inflation.
Calls for Living Wages and Better Worker Protections.
Civil society groups such as the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) called on governments to pay living wages that reflect real costs and to implement social programs supporting workers’ housing, healthcare, and welfare.
PETROAN, representing oil workers, urged enhanced health insurance and welfare benefits, highlighting occupational hazards and environmental risks.
National Institutions Celebrate Workers.
The Nigeria Police Force and Police Service Commission acknowledged the dedication of their officers and all Nigerian workers, committing to improved workplace environments and recognition of service.
