By Elizabeth Godwin
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2025, President Bola Tinubu, alongside several state governors, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers in the face of mounting economic challenges.
In a message shared via his official X handle, President Tinubu described Nigerian workers as “the engine of our great country,” acknowledging their indispensable role in nation-building. He emphasized his administration’s dedication to creating a fair, inclusive, and prosperous environment for all, promising continued reforms and policies aimed at uplifting working Nigerians.
The national May Day rally, held at Eagle Square in Abuja, drew thousands of workers despite early morning rainfall. The event, jointly organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), centered around the theme: “People First: Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo jointly addressed the gathering, expressing concern over shrinking democratic freedoms and the increasing cost of living. They called for unity among workers to resist economic oppression, advocate for inclusive governance, and hold leaders accountable. The union leaders urged the federal government to address inflation, rising electricity tariffs, and worsening unemployment.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, declared support for workers’ demands and promised to implement agreed wage increases and infrastructural improvements. He also called on the federal government to review the national revenue-sharing formula to allow Lagos access to a fairer allocation, reflective of its economic contribution.
Lagos NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi emphasized the importance of tax compliance and civic responsibility, urging residents to support ongoing development initiatives.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh, highlighted the administration’s recent promotion of 13,000 civil servants, digitalization of public service, and partial clearance of inherited pension arrears. Labour leaders, however, pressed for immediate salary adjustments and full settlement of outstanding pensions and gratuities.
In Oyo State, labour leaders commended the government for introducing an N80,000 minimum wage but noted delays in implementation across several MDAs, the judiciary, and state-owned tertiary institutions. They called for a swift adjustment of subventions to facilitate uniform wage adoption.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced a new minimum wage of N71,000 for workers, effective immediately. He unveiled civil service reforms, including capacity building, updates to the civil service rules, and ongoing pension restructuring. He pledged that gratuity and pension arrears would be cleared gradually.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun lauded the resilience of the state’s workforce and praised the federal government’s economic recovery strategies. He noted his administration had paid N79.9 billion in pensions and built over 5,000 affordable housing units. He also promised to construct a workers’ pavilion for future May Day celebrations.
Rivers State, currently under an interim administration, saw a strong turnout of workers who demanded restored democratic governance. Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas assured civil servants of continued salary payments, reforms, and pension reviews. The state NLC, however, called for deeper economic interventions to mitigate rising inflation and address outstanding arrears.
Across the country, Workers’ Day events were marked with parades, speeches, and symbolic activities as workers seized the occasion to reflect on their role in national progress and demand greater accountability from political leaders.
