Workers' Day
Workers’ Day: Nigerian Workers Demand Better Wages Amid Rising Economic Hardship
Today marks Workers’ Day, a global celebration honoring the contributions of laborers to national development. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” resonates deeply as Nigerian workers grapple with soaring living costs and a struggling economy.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration floated the naira and removed fuel subsidies, living expenses have more than doubled, intensifying calls for a higher minimum wage. Despite the federal government approving a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 after negotiations with labor unions, implementation remains sluggish.
A report by BudgIT reveals that only 17 states have adopted the new wage as of April 2025, with many private firms citing high operational costs as a barrier.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports inflation at 23.18% and food inflation at 40.01% as of March 2025, further squeezing workers’ purchasing power.
Amid these challenges, government officials have lauded workers’ resilience. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised their “unwavering commitment,” while First Lady Remi Tinubu described them as “the backbone of Nigeria’s progress.”
Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, also commended workers, with Obi highlighting their “immense contributions to national growth.” Meanwhile, state governors joined in celebrating laborers, though many face criticism over delayed wage implementations.
Beyond wages, workers are also protesting political developments, such as the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed Rivers workers to stage a peaceful rally, calling the situation a “subversion of democracy.”
Across the country, workers gathered in various states to mark the day. In Abuja, security personnel monitored events at Eagle Square, while in Kano, labor leaders like NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim demanded better pay and working conditions.
As Nigeria honors its workforce, the day serves as both a celebration of labor and a stark reminder of the urgent need for economic relief and fair treatment for workers nationwide.
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