President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of Nigerian workers, describing them as the “engine of our economy” and key drivers of national development.
In a message posted Thursday on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, the president acknowledged the vital role workers played in sustaining the nation’s progress and pledged continued support to their well-being.
“Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again”, Tinubu declared in the May Day message.
Extending his goodwill to all Nigerian workers across sectors and age groups, President Tinubu recognised the diverse contributions of individuals in both the public and private sectors.
“Here’s to everyone, young and old, entrepreneur or employee, private or government employed, whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear Nation,” he wrote.
Tinubu celebrated the occasion of Workers’ Day by saluting the resilience and dedication of the nation’s workforce, adding, “You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth.”
His message comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to improve the living conditions of workers through economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the implementation of social intervention programmes.
President Tinubu’s statement aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of inclusive growth, job creation, and labour-friendly policies, which have been central to recent government engagements with organised labour.
… Akpabio hails Nigerian workers’ resilience
Also commemorating the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Nigerian 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 the Nigerian workers.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio assured that the 10th National Assembly under his leadership would continue to prioritise the welfare, security, safety and condition of service of the workers noting that labour-friendly legislations will be accorded their deserved attention.
He 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.”
“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,” he added”
…Labour seeks retirement age review
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have raised the alarm that a new sect group, named “Mahmuda” is gradually building up in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
They also called on the federal government to review retirement age from the current 60 years to 65 year or 40 years of service.
The duo of NLC President Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, made the demands Thursday while addressing issues of the Nigeria Workers at the 2025 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square Abuja, with the theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”.
Ajaero, in his speech, regretted that workers face daunting challenges in Nigeria that have threatened their existence.
The workers in their 20-point demand stressed that the worsening economic situation, was further worsened by the recent massacre and ethnic tensions, especially in the North Central parts of Nigeria and appealed to the federal government to urgently tackle the challenges.
Ajaero decried that, “the alarming state of insecurity, the unchecked impunity in governance, and the blatant disregard for constitutional and democratic principles have cast a dark shadow over the nation.”
The Labour leaders also called on the government to withdraw the tax bills for more consultations.
“When they fail to do so, democracy is weakened, institutions become compromised, and crisis looms,” the NLC president stated in the address.
Buttressing his claims of insecurity, he said the killings around the country; Uromi, Eha Amufu, Adani, Ondo, Owo, Zamfara, Bokkos and Riyom in Plateau state; Benue; Kebbi state and the unchecked kidnappings around the country continue to imperil our nation.
“It bears testimony to the failure of the government to perform its basic duty to its citizens who elected them into office.
“The number one duty of the federal government is to ensure the safety of lives and property. The government must step up and fulfill its constitutional obligations to the citizens instead of these constant lamentations.
“As we speak, we hear of the emergence of new terrorist group named Mahmuda sect in Middle Belt. This calls for serious attention. We must approach the insecurity situation as a country in War,” he said.
Labour warned that “we must choose between facing the realities before us with courage and wisdom or continuing in denial while our country edges towards the abyss.
“Warning signs and red flags are all over the place. If we do not address these systemic failures, we risk descending into a state where the rule of law is replaced by the rule of might, and where governance is determined not by democratic principles but by brute force.
“Comrades, the time to act is now. Those who occupy positions of leadership must recognize that true leadership is about service, humility, and inclusivity. It is about building bridges, not walls. The future of our nation depends on their willingness to govern with a sense of justice and fairness. The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must maintain their independence and act separately for the good of our nation.
“As workers and as citizens, we must also remain vigilant and resolute in our demand for accountability. Our voices must not be silenced, and our resolve must not waver. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the generations yet unborn to stand up for the values of democracy, equity, and justice.
“We fought for this democracy and paid the highest price to chase the military and their cohorts back to the barracks. Doing nothing should not be an option but calling for a constructive engagement and building the needed coalition to rid our nation of the malaise that have held it down is important. People are elected into public office to serve and not to plunder. Our nation and its people must be protected.”
…Minimum wage now N75, 000 in Edo
And from Edo state, Governor Monday Okpebholo announced an increase in the new minimum wage of civil servants from N70, 000 to N75, 000.
Okpebholo said the salary adjustment was to ensure that the workers were treated with dignity and fairness.
The governor expressed optimism that the workers would appreciate the gesture with renewed dedication, adding, “together, we will build a better Edo state.”
Okpebholo disclosed this Thursday in his May Day message to workers, which held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
He also disclosed that his administration was reviewing the regularisation of the appointment of over 3000 EdoStars (support) teachers.
The said teachers were reportedly engaged as casual by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.
The governor also reeled out his administration’s achievements in the past five months in office to include, the conversion of many casual workers, including over 1,000 cleaners into permanent staff.
In his remark, the Acting State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bernard Joma Eguakhide, appealed to the governor to constitute the State Civil Service Commission.
Eguakhide noted that the non- constitution and inauguration of the commission, was adversely affecting the career progression of workers in the public service.