As Nigerian workers join their counterparts globally to observe International Workers’ Day today, May 1, 2025, the atmosphere is one of frustration and hardship rather than celebration.
Despite promises of reform, millions continue to grapple with low wages, job losses, unsafe workplaces, and poor labour protections. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” mirrors the growing anger of a workforce strained by inflation, insecurity, and official apathy.
Minimum Wage Implementation Falters
Though the federal government signed a N70,000 minimum wage into law in 2024, most workers are yet to benefit. BudgIT reports only 13 states had implemented it by April 2025. In many rural areas, civil servants still earn below N40,000. Private sector compliance is equally inconsistent, with employers citing economic pressures.
March 2025 data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows headline inflation at 33.2%, while food inflation stands at 40.01%. Workers say the N70,000 wage is already inadequate amid soaring costs.
Adewale Johnson, a primary school teacher in Oyo State, said, “I still earn N33,000. Food prices have doubled. How do they expect us to survive?”
A survey by SBM Intelligence in February revealed 78% of workers earning N70,000 or less cannot meet basic monthly expenses for food and transportation.
Former Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Oyinkansola Olasanoye, stated that Nigerian workers’ demands go beyond wages. “We need affordable healthcare, quality education, housing, and social protection,” she said. “It’s about dignity and survival.”
She also warned that without civic freedoms and protections, progress remains elusive. “Our right to organize, protest, and demand justice is under siege.”
Job Losses and Insecurity
A January 2025 joint report by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC revealed over 500,000 jobs were lost in 2024, due to economic downturns and dwindling consumer demand. Sectors affected include oil and gas, fintech, banking, and manufacturing.
Chinyere Ofor, HR manager at a Lagos manufacturing firm, said, “We went from 120 to 35 employees. Costs rose by 300% in under two years.”
Lagos NLC Chair, Funmi Sessi, noted that economic hardship is eroding citizens' dignity. “Prices keep rising and government isn’t acting,” she said, adding that both leaders and citizens share the blame. “Selling a N5 item for N15 makes things worse for fellow Nigerians.”
She urged a communal approach: “Security and development are shared responsibilities. Let’s lead by example.”
Outdated Laws, Poor Enforcement
Labour rights analyst Dr. Kehinde Omotosho noted that the Labour Act of 2004 is outdated and barely enforced. “Many companies violate labour laws with no consequences,” he said.
The National Industrial Court remains clogged with cases, and most workers lack legal resources. A 2023 study found only 28% of Nigerian workers have written contracts.
Pension arrears for retirees exceed N15bn, with some former public servants, like Bashir Musa in Bauchi, still unpaid years after retirement.
Gender Inequality and Unsafe Workplaces
A 2024 study by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre found women earn 25% less than men in sectors like education, healthcare, and finance. Over one-third reported workplace sexual harassment, often unaddressed due to fear of retaliation.
Occupational hazards persist. Over 7,800 injuries and 212 deaths were recorded in 2024, mostly in high-risk industries. In January, a building collapse in Port Harcourt killed five, with investigations revealing zero safety measures in place.
Shrinking Union Power and Civic Space
Union activities are increasingly restricted. In November 2024, a planned NLC strike was halted by court injunctions and police intervention. Membership has dropped by 18% over five years due to internal disputes and public distrust.
NLC Vice President, Benjamin Adeyemi, said, “Union leaders face threats just for defending workers.”
Still, some reforms are underway. The “Decent Work Nigeria” initiative was launched in December 2024 with ILO support. A new Labour Reform Bill is also pending at the National Assembly to modernize labour laws and protect informal workers.
However, TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Bello, stressed, “Laws mean nothing without enforcement. Until regulations are actively implemented, workers will continue to suffer.”
Call for National Unity and Reform
TUC Lagos Chairman, Gbenga Ekundayo, said the civic space must be fair. “You can’t fix the economy for the elite while the masses starve,” he said. He called for a living wage and criticized policies that deepen inequality.
He also urged religious institutions to focus on humanitarian needs. “Why build cathedrals while people sleep under bridges?”
Over 85% of Nigeria’s workforce is in the informal sector. Most have no contracts or safety nets. Fuel prices now hover between N925 and N950 per litre, further squeezing small traders.
Kunle, a tricycle rider in Isolo, said, “One tyre burst can wipe out a week’s earnings.”
Luc Triangle, Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation, said workers globally are standing up against inequality. “A just society needs living wages, strong services, and fair taxation.”
Hope Through Persistence
Despite these challenges, union leaders remain resolute. Comrade Shehu Mohammed of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria said they are working to address salary arrears, gratuity restoration, and job stagnation.
“As we mark May Day, we urge members to trust in our commitment to fight for their rights,” Mohammed said.
A Nation at a Crossroads
With over 30 million Nigerians unemployed or underemployed, and millions more working informally, the country faces a deepening labour crisis. Workers are no longer asking for luxuries—they are demanding justice, security, and a fair chance at survival.
Until systemic change occurs, May Day in Nigeria will remain a solemn reminder of promises unfulfilled and a rallying cry for dignity, not just survival.
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