President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s economy and the driving force behind Nigeria’s aspirations for greatness.
In a heartfelt message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account to commemorate the 2025 International Workers’ Day, Tinubu lauded the contributions of both public and private sector workers across the country. His message, delivered with patriotic undertones, resonated with a promise to improve labour conditions and uplift the lives of hardworking Nigerians.
“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, I say thank you,” Tinubu stated.
The President described workers as “the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth,” while assuring that his administration will not relent in implementing policies that enhance worker welfare, boost productivity, and reduce economic hardship.
“Our administration has, and will continue to, prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again,” Tinubu affirmed.
The President’s message comes amid growing demands from organised labour unions for urgent wage adjustments to cushion the effects of inflation, rising cost of living, and currency devaluation. As Nigerians continue to grapple with economic challenges, labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have intensified their calls for a new national minimum wage.
Currently, the tripartite committee on minimum wage—comprising representatives of the federal government, state governors, and labour unions—is still locked in deliberations over a proposed new wage structure. Labour leaders have insisted that the existing N30,000 minimum wage is grossly inadequate in today’s economic reality, calling for a figure that reflects living costs.
Earlier this week, the NLC demanded that the federal government consider increasing the retirement age of civil servants to 65, aligning with reforms in other sectors, and ensure pensions are paid promptly.
While Tinubu’s May Day message has drawn appreciation for its conciliatory tone, many workers and unionists are eager to see tangible outcomes rather than promises. Critics argue that despite the administration’s pro-worker rhetoric, Nigerians continue to face poor working conditions, widespread unemployment, and the erosion of purchasing power.
Civil servants, especially those in the education and healthcare sectors, have in recent months protested delays in salary payments, lack of work equipment, and insecurity in various parts of the country affecting service delivery.
Reacting to the President’s remarks, NLC President Joe Ajaero welcomed the recognition of workers’ contributions but emphasised the need for urgent action on economic reforms that directly impact workers’ lives.
“We appreciate the words, but what Nigerian workers need now are policies that protect jobs, guarantee fair wages, and improve living conditions,” Ajaero said during a May Day rally in Abuja.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, praised the resilience of Nigerian workers, urging state and federal authorities to meet labour demands swiftly and prevent future industrial disputes.
As Nigeria commemorates another Workers’ Day amid economic headwinds, the spotlight remains firmly on the Tinubu administration to translate promises into policies that deliver real relief for the Nigerian workforce. With labour unions growing increasingly assertive, and inflation showing no signs of abating, the coming months may define the government’s legacy in terms of its relationship with the nation’s workers.