- Accuse Govt Of Deepening Poverty, Threaten Action
- Tinubu To Workers: My Govt Treating Insecurity, Poverty As National Emergencies
- Workers Crumbling Under Shattered Hopes, Empty Promises- Atiku
- Obi Urges Fair Wages, Responsible Leadership
Nigeria’s organised labour has raised fresh concerns over the state of the economy, rejecting official claims of progress and insisting that economic gains are being enjoyed by a very small segment of the population while the majority continue to face worsening hardship.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebration in Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) described the current economic situation as deeply unequal and unsustainable, warning that rising poverty and unemployment are pushing millions of Nigerians into extreme deprivation.
Labour argued that the country’s reported growth figures do not reflect the reality on the ground. According to them, “We are told the economy is growing, yet poverty continues to rise. These are paper gains that do not translate into better living conditions for workers.”
They further stated that the system currently benefits only a small elite, stressing that “an economy that serves only the top 1% while leaving the 99% behind cannot be sustainable.”
The unions also expressed concern over worsening insecurity, describing the country as increasingly unsafe for workers. They warned that the situation has reached a point where they may be forced to direct workers to stay home if attacks, kidnappings, and killings continue unabated.
On wages and labour conditions, the NLC and TUC announced that negotiations for a new national minimum wage will begin in July 2026, while demanding immediate relief measures to cushion the effects of inflation and economic pressure.
They insisted that workers deserve a fairer deal, stating: “We demand a living wage, not a minimum wage. Workers must not continue to carry the burden of a failing system.”
The labour leaders concluded by calling for urgent reforms in governance, security, and economic management, while urging unity among workers nationwide.
They stressed that Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the economy, adding that “engines do not beg; they move,” as a reminder of their collective strength.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has revealed that his administration is treating insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that the twin challenges threaten jobs, productivity, and the overall stability of the country.
Speaking through George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu said the crises have been treated with urgency under his administration’s renewed hope agenda.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets and other economic activities,” the president said.
He described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” that undermine livelihoods and erode confidence among workers and employers alike, in line with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) decent work agenda.
The president highlighted several interventions rolled out by his government to tackle the issues, including the recruitment of 45,000 young Nigerians into the community protection guards initiative for enhanced community security and job creation.
Tinubu also called for continued dialogue with organised labour, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to treat strike action as a last resort rather than the first option.
He commended security personnel for their efforts and reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions, ensuring fair wages, dignity of labour, safety, and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
In a related development, former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to workers across the globe, with special emphasis on Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of national development amid growing economic challenges.
In a statement marking International Workers’ Day, Obi commended the resilience and sacrifices of workers, noting that their contributions continue to sustain families, communities, and the broader economy despite prevailing hardship and uncertainty.
He lamented that many Nigerian workers are still denied fair compensation and dignity, stressing that the current minimum wage is no longer sufficient to guarantee even a modest standard of living. According to him, rising inflation, escalating food prices, and increasing transportation costs have significantly eroded the value of workers’ earnings.
Obi emphasized that no nation can outgrow the strength and productivity of its workforce, adding that the wellbeing of workers remains central to sustainable development.
He warned that when workers suffer, the nation inevitably bears the consequences, but when they are empowered, prosperity follows.
Beyond their economic contributions, he highlighted the political influence of workers, urging them to leverage their collective voice and voting power to shape governance and demand accountability.
The former Anambra State governor called on workers to support leadership defined by competence, character, credibility, and compassion, while rejecting corruption, ethnic division, and poor governance.
He concluded by stressing that a productive and prosperous Nigeria must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, expressing optimism that a “New Nigeria” can be achieved through the active participation of workers.
Similarly, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the administration of President Tinubu, accusing it of worsening the living conditions of Nigerian workers despite promises of economic renewal.
In a statement to mark International Workers’ Day 2026, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as “broken promises and shattered hopes,” arguing that the current administration has failed to deliver on its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He said the occasion, traditionally meant to celebrate the dignity and resilience of workers, instead highlights the growing hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly wage earners struggling with rising costs of living.
Atiku acknowledged that the removal of fuel subsidy was a necessary policy, noting that he had long supported the move due to its strain on public finances. However, he criticised the implementation by the Tinubu government, describing it as abrupt and lacking adequate preparation or social safety measures.
According to him, the immediate removal of subsidy led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, which in turn triggered higher transportation costs and a surge in the prices of food and basic commodities. He argued that this has placed an unbearable burden on Nigerian workers, many of whom were already grappling with inflation.
The former presidential candidate further questioned the utilisation of funds saved from subsidy removal, alleging that the benefits have not translated into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
He expressed concern that a significant portion of the funds may have been directed towards projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he claimed lacked transparency in its award process.
Atiku maintained that a responsible government would have introduced reforms alongside measures to cushion the impact on vulnerable citizens, including social safety nets and targeted economic support.
He concluded by urging the government to prioritise policies that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians, especially workers, whose productivity and wellbeing he described as central to national development.
