As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Workers’ Day, the atmosphere across the nation is far from celebratory. Instead of joyous parades and hopeful speeches, the occasion has become a stark reminder of the growing hardship faced by millions of Nigerian workers grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has used the 2025 May Day celebration to launch a searing critique of the federal government’s economic policies, which it described as anti-worker, exploitative, and dehumanizing.
“From last May Day to today, it has been one anti-worker policy after another,” Ajaero lamented during a speech delivered in Abuja. “We have been impoverished and dehumanized. The working class continues to suffer under a system that places profits over people.”
Ajaero pointed to the sweeping economic reforms initiated by the current administration—including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—as factors that have driven inflation, deepened poverty, and eroded workers’ purchasing power. He said these policies, often imposed under the guise of economic liberalization, are aligned with the dictates of global financial institutions rather than the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
While the government has proposed a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, many labour leaders argue that the figure falls far short of what is required for a decent life. Basic commodities like rice, yam, and tomatoes have seen price increases of 300% to 800% since 2021, while rent, transportation, and school fees have become unaffordable for many.
“Workers are drowning in a sea of inflation,” said Ajaero. “Even the ₦70,000 minimum wage, which is not fully implemented, cannot sustain a worker and their family for a week, let alone a month.”
He added that workers are forced to ration their attendance at work, skip meals, or take on multiple jobs just to survive—conditions he described as “modern slavery under the cloak of democracy.”
In what can be described as a rallying cry, the NLC president called on Nigerian workers to rise in unity and resist policies that undermine their welfare. He urged trade unions to intensify advocacy for a new wage regime that reflects the realities of today’s economy and to push for stricter enforcement of labour rights across both public and private sectors.
“The ruling class fears only one thing: our collective refusal to remain in servitude,” he declared. “It’s time to build a movement that doesn’t just negotiate for crumbs, but demands a fair share of the bread we bake.”
He emphasized that while the economic situation may appear bleak, the labour movement remains strong and must remain the vanguard of resistance against exploitation and injustice.
Former TUC Deputy President Dr. Tommy Okon added to the conversation, noting that the crisis extends beyond wage issues. “This is about the survival of families. Many workers are struggling to feed their children, pay rent, or access healthcare. We need urgent reforms and people-focused policies.”
Meanwhile, NLC leaders across the country echoed similar sentiments. In Lagos, State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi highlighted the urgent need for government intervention: “This year has been one of the most difficult for workers. Government must not sit idle while the people suffer.”
As Nigerian workers endure another May Day marked by rising poverty and dwindling hope, the message from the NLC is clear: survival is no longer enough—dignity, fairness, and economic justice must now take center stage. Without urgent government action to improve wages, control inflation, and address the root causes of economic disparity, the nation risks deepening its labour crisis.