As Nigeria marked Workers’ Day 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Nasarawa State used the occasion to spotlight the persistent electricity challenges and demand comprehensive welfare reforms for workers across the state.
Speaking during the May Day celebrations held at City Stadium in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, NLC Chairman Comrade Ismaila Okoh expressed deep concern over the poor electricity supply affecting communities in the state’s 13 local government areas. He called for urgent intervention from both the Nasarawa State Government and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to resolve the issue, which he described as a barrier to economic progress.
“Despite repeated complaints from residents, AEDC has failed to address the power outages. The state government must investigate and collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure improved electricity supply, especially in Lafia and other underserved regions,” Okoh stated.
He emphasized that electricity is a critical driver of development and warned that continued neglect of the sector could hinder local businesses, healthcare delivery, and educational services.
In addition to electricity concerns, Okoh called for the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 for all categories of workers in the state, especially those in tertiary institutions who have not yet received the increment. He also advocated for an upward review of pension payments to cushion the impact of inflation on retirees.
“There is a growing need to support our pensioners, many of whom are battling chronic illnesses. Their welfare must be a priority in the government’s agenda,” Okoh said.
He further recommended the establishment of a Research, Innovation, and Training Centre for civil servants in Nasarawa, aimed at enhancing productivity and technological advancement within the state’s public sector.
Echoing these demands, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Doma, urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to provide tax relief to civil servants in light of the ongoing economic hardship resulting from fuel subsidy removal. According to Doma, the increase in wages has been offset by rising living costs, thereby eroding workers’ purchasing power.
Doma also called for the immediate payment of the N70,000 minimum wage arrears, describing the delay as unjustified and demoralizing. However, he acknowledged Governor Sule’s efforts in resolving a longstanding pension-related court dispute, commending both the state government and concerned retirees for agreeing to an out-of-court settlement.
“Our unity and persistence delivered the minimum wage. Now, we must channel that same energy into holding the government accountable for prompt payment and sustainable social protections,” he declared.
Responding to the concerns, Governor Abdullahi Sule—represented by Head of Service Barr. Abigail Waya—highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the absorption of thousands of contract staff, promotion of over 3,200 civil servants since 2018, and the lifting of the embargo on in-service training.
Sule reassured workers of his commitment to inclusive governance, job creation, and improved welfare, citing the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in December 2024 as a testament to his pro-labour stance.
“We recognize the value of our workforce and are investing in their development through capacity-building initiatives to meet global standards,” Waya stated.
The May Day event ended with a strong message from both labour leaders, urging the government to bridge the gap between policy promises and practical improvements in workers’ lives.