President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms and improved welfare for Nigerian workers, promising targeted solutions to rising living costs, as labour unions demanded a swift salary adjustment in light of Nigeria’s economic hardships.
Speaking through Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the severity of economic challenges facing Nigerians—ranging from inflation and food insecurity to unemployment and inadequate wages.
The president assured workers that reforms were underway to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and promote inclusive economic growth. “My administration is intentional about implementing policies that generate decent jobs, support the vulnerable, and secure economic stability,” Tinubu stated.
He also emphasised the need to “reclaim the civic space” and protect democratic freedoms, stating that “a vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy.” He pledged to defend workers’ rights to organise and participate in governance processes.
Labour Leaders Call for Urgent Salary Adjustment
In a joint address, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed deep concern over the impact of soaring inflation on workers’ livelihoods, calling for an immediate review of the national minimum wage to match the country’s economic realities.
“Our demands are rooted in the current hardship. Workers can no longer survive on wages set during different economic conditions,” the leaders said.
The unions also called for:
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Withdrawal of controversial tax bills pending in the National Assembly,
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Reversal of what they described as an “illegal” state of emergency in Rivers State,
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A reduction in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35% as previously agreed,
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Urgent action on electoral reforms and protection of civil liberties.
Labour also decried the worsening poverty rate, revealing that 115 million Nigerians live in absolute poverty, while 175 million experience multi-dimensional poverty. They further pointed to structural issues such as underinvestment in public infrastructure, poor energy access, and governance failures.
Presidency and First Lady Salute Nigerian Workers
President Tinubu also used his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @officialABAT, to extend gratitude to the workforce:
“You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth… We will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare.”
Meanwhile, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hailed workers across sectors as the “backbone of national development,” commending their resilience and urging continued collective effort for national progress.
Government Acknowledges Worker Hardship
Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, recognised the impact of inflation and joblessness on ordinary Nigerians, stating, “We do not deny the hardship families are facing. Solutions require inclusive and transparent dialogue, and progress is already being made.”
