As Nigerians marked the 2025 International Workers’ Day, a wave of solidarity, tributes, and urgent calls for reform swept across the nation, unifying voices from the National Assembly, human rights bodies, health agencies, and labour unions.
The message was clear: Workers are the backbone of national progress, but they deserve more than applause, they deserve action.
Deputy Speaker Applauds Workers, Urges Patience on Reforms
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, praised the resilience of Nigerian workers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
He pointed to the quick approval of the new N70,000 minimum wage by the National Assembly as a demonstration of intent, while urging citizens to be patient with the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The path to a stronger economy demands sacrifice and unity,” Kalu stated.
“Better days lie ahead.”
NACA: End HIV Discrimination in Workplaces
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) used the occasion to highlight the rights of workers living with HIV, calling for zero discrimination in both public and private sector employment.
NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized that nearly two million Nigerians living with HIV deserve respect and inclusion.
“Workplaces are more than sites of labour — they are communities. HIV should never be a barrier to dignity or opportunity,” she said.
NHRC: Human Rights Must Anchor Economic Reforms
In a statement, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urged the government to prioritize human dignity and social justice in all economic policies.
Dr. Ojukwu decried inflation, suppressed protests, and the shrinking value of wages, stressing that rights-based economic planning is critical to real progress.
“Labour Day reminds us that dignity in work is not a privilege—it’s a right,” he asserted.
Aviation Unions Sound Alarm on Industry Crisis
Aviation sector unions used Workers’ Day to voice serious concerns over declining safety, shrinking budgets, and systemic neglect in their industry.
They condemned the Federal Government’s policy of deducting 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from aviation agencies, arguing that it undermines operational safety.
Union leader Comrade Ben Nnabue of NUATE also accused Turkish Airlines of retaliating against staff for union involvement and warned of possible industrial actions.
“Union rights are under threat. We won’t stand idle while workers are punished for demanding fairness,” he said.
Bottom Line: Celebrate Workers, But Deliver Justice
While tributes and promises filled the air this Workers’ Day, the underlying sentiment was unmistakable: Goodwill is not enough. Nigerian workers demand and deserve tangible changes, living wages, safe workplaces, human rights, and inclusive growth.
From the National Assembly to factory floors, the cry is the same: Respect labour, reform the system, and rebuild trust.
Workers
Meanwhile, Civil Servants across the country are not just marking the occasion, they are voicing deep concerns and renewed hopes for a better future.
Despite being gainfully employed, many Nigerian workers continue to live below the national poverty line, weighed down by low wages, inflation, and rising living costs.
A Civil Servant Mrs Helen Njoku said, “Life has been very hard. Prices of food and transport keep increasing. Even with the 35% wage award, implementation has been inconsistent. Some of us are still being owed. It’s frustrating.”
Inflation has not only eroded workers’ purchasing power but also left many struggling to afford basic necessities. From food to fuel, the cost of living continues to climb.
Mr Francis Bawoh, has this to say; “Farmers are not going to their farms because they don’t feel safe. That’s why there’s food scarcity. Government needs to tackle insecurity. Also, fix our roads and trains—transportation is too expensive.”
“The performance of the government has not been significantly positive. Nothing has changed economically. Minimum wage can’t cover basic needs. We need price control and serious reforms.”
They expressed optimism that with one voice workers can demand accountability from the government.
About the Author
