Nigerians Celebrate Workers Day Amidst Challenging Economic Conditions

Today is Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy.

This year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” reflects the tough times workers are facing. Celebrations are taking place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

However, the day comes amidst rising costs of living and a struggling economy.

Since President Bola Tinubu’s government floated the naira and removed the fuel subsidy, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leading to calls for a higher minimum wage.

Despite promises of better welfare, safer working conditions, and reforms, many workers continue to deal with unsafe jobs, layoffs, and low pay.

While the government approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 after months of negotiations with labor unions, not all states have implemented it.

As of April 2025, only 17 states have rolled it out, and several private companies have yet to comply, citing high operating costs.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation stood at 23.18% in March 2025, with food inflation at a staggering 40.01%, making life even harder for workers.

Despite these challenges, the government says it remains committed to improving workers’ welfare.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised workers for their hard work and resilience, acknowledging their critical role in driving the country’s economy forward.

“Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers. We, in the Senate and of course, the National Assembly, acknowledge your invaluable contributions to our nation’s development,” Akpabio said in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

“I commend your resilience in the face of challenges and recognise your role in driving our economy forward.

“Despite obvious challenges, you remain the backbone of our economy. I salute your unwavering commitment to excellence and productivity. Your contributions are vital to our nation’s progress”.

First Lady Remi Tinubu also recognized the vital contributions of Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s progress.

She emphasized the need for fair opportunities for all and wished workers a happy Workers’ Day.

“Across all sectors, whether public or private, formal or informal, Nigerian workers remain the backbone of our development and the driving force behind our nation’s progress,” she said in a statement late Wednesday.

Reni Tinubu said this year’s celebration is a reminder of the dignity of labour and the importance of creating opportunities that are fair to all.

“I salute the men and women who rise each day to go to work and support our economy,” she said, wishing them a “happy Workers’ Day celebration.

In addition to wage issues, workers in Rivers State are protesting the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has organized peaceful rallies in the state to express their concerns about the situation, with some workers calling for the restoration of democratic governance.

Across the country, workers are taking to the streets to mark the day, including those in the Federal Capital Territory, where celebrations have started at Eagle Square.

In Kano State, workers are calling for better wages and improved working conditions.

Abbas Ibrahim, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano, echoed these demands during the 2025 Workers’ Day event, stressing the need for higher salaries.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Government recently announced that Thursday will be a public holiday in celebration of Workers’ Day, which takes place every year on May 1.