As Nigeria marked Workers’ Day on Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar delivered a powerful message to the Federal Government, urging it to recognize Nigerian workers not merely as economic tools, but as essential partners in national development.
In his Workers’ Day statement, Atiku described the Nigerian workforce as “the indomitable engine driving our nation towards the long-anticipated promise of prosperity.” He acknowledged the resilience of workers in the face of economic hardship, stagnant wages, and deteriorating living conditions, stating that their silent sacrifices deserve more than verbal appreciation.
“It is deeply disheartening that those entrusted with governance have failed to respond to this unwavering dedication with tangible support and justice,” Atiku said, emphasizing that the government must show greater accountability and commitment to workers’ welfare.
Atiku’s remarks come amid heightened agitation by labour unions for a revised national minimum wage, as inflation and rising cost of living continue to erode the purchasing power of workers across various sectors. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have repeatedly called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to implement meaningful reforms that protect workers from worsening economic realities.
Highlighting the central role of the labour force, the former Vice President said, “The Nigerian worker remains the soul of our nation. It is both the face and the force of the people. Therefore, it is imperative that governments and employers alike put in place robust safeguards to uphold the dignity, rights, and entitlements due to every worker.”
Atiku also urged the Tinubu-led government to take inspiration from the 2025 Workers’ Day theme and reframe how it views the workforce—not as instruments of productivity, but as equal stakeholders in the journey towards economic recovery and national prosperity.
Atiku’s statement further emphasized the need to improve the socio-economic conditions of workers, especially those in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and public service. He called on employers in both the public and private sectors to prioritize job security, decent wages, pension reforms, and work-life balance.
He added, “Working together is crucial to our collective success. Policymakers must engage the labour force as equal partners—not as an afterthought—if we are to realize the dream of a fair, just, and thriving society.”
His comments resonate with broader concerns across the country, as millions of Nigerian workers lament the lack of government action on living wage policies and job creation. Reports from various states revealed that workers marked May Day not with celebration, but with frustration, citing broken promises, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions.
In Katsina, the state NLC leadership demanded urgent action on the minimum wage and pension backlog, warning of industrial action if ignored. Similarly, in Abuja, labour leaders and civil society groups staged a peaceful rally at Eagle Square, calling for the swift implementation of labour-friendly policies and a renewed focus on social justice.
Atiku’s voice adds momentum to these growing demands for reforms. As a former Vice President and presidential candidate, his statement reflects not just solidarity with workers, but a pointed critique of a system that has long undervalued their contributions.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic headwinds, Atiku’s call for a worker-centric governance approach serves as a timely reminder: a nation’s true progress hinges on the welfare and dignity of its workforce.