•‘We will make laws friendly to Labour’
• NLC seeks opening up of civic space
The Federal Government yesterday assured workers that their dedication, hard work and patriotism will be rewarded.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said the government was working “earnestly to reward the tenacity, sense of purpose, and patriotism of workers in the line of duty.”
Nigerian workers are today joining their counterparts in the world to mark Workers Day.
The two Labour centres – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates – will mark the event at the various state capitals and Eagle Square in Abuja.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged that the National Assembly would prioritise workers’ welfare through labour-friendly legislation.
The NLC urged the Federal Government not to compress the civic space by restricting citizens from freely expressing themselves.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, spoke at the 2025 Pre-May Day Lecture in Abuja, delivered by a professor of international law, Christopher Chukwuma, of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Organised by the NLC, its theme was: “Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship.”
In a pre-May Day message to workers, the minister stressed that the Federal Government appreciates their commitment.
“I laud your can-do spirit, tenacity, sense of purpose, and patriotism in the line of duty while confronting emerging challenges to the well-being of all citizens.
“The government acknowledges and appreciates your altruism and will keep working earnestly to reward it.
“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ resonates with the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to building a better Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on sustainable economic, social, and infrastructure development, driving national progress, peace, and prosperity.
“Hence, as you join your compatriots across the world to mark the Workers’ Day, I enjoin you to keep working with the government as comrades-in-arms, united in purpose, and in defence of our collective heritage towards the realisation of the national agenda of transformation and progress.
“We commend the resilience of your spirit and urge you to embrace the promise of a future shaped by courage and purpose.”
Ajaero urged the Federal Government to open up the civic space.
He said that workers and unions can no longer express themselves freely in a supposed democracy.
The NLC president said: “The civic space is being compressed.
“Recently, people came out to protest, and police stopped them in Port Harcourt and other places.
“These days, protesters are being fought; people are not allowing Nigerians to freely protest.
“Even with the minimum wage and hardship, we tried, and they tried to stop us.
“Forces are being used to compress the civic space, and if you do that, you match the end to democracy. Even those sponsoring it will be the potential victims of it.
“I can tell you, all the people there now are beneficiaries of the suffering of some of us who protested the military stay in office, annulment of June 12 and all that.
“None of them was known; their names are not even known in their community.
“If the civic space was closed, none of them would be in the National Assembly, and none would be a governor today.”
Prof. Chukwuma called for the review of laws restricting or criminalising civic engagements, such as the Cybercrime Act and the Public Order Act.
He said that the civic space was essential for the functioning of democratic processes.
“The control of social media, attacks on media outfits and practitioners, limited access to justice, inadequate protection of human rights defenders, and insults are all threats to the civic space in Nigeria.
“Even though the economic hardship could kill the civic space or the actors by diverting attention to survival, Nigerian workers have an opportunity to resuscitate and reclaim their civic space,” Chukwuma said.
Akpabio: National Assembly to prioritise workers’ welfare
Akpabio, in the May Day statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, said labour-friendly legislation will be accorded their deserved attention.
He commended workers for their productivity, diligence, commitment to duty and resilience even in the face of socio-economic challenges.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio promised to ensure that the rights of workers are duly guaranteed.
He added: “Under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be victimised on account of expressing himself or herself either in demanding for their rights or seeking legal redress.
“I must say that Nigerian workers are our pride and we will not shirk our responsibility to work with the Executive to address workers’ concerns and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.
“Together, we shall build a brighter future for Nigerian workers and our great nation.”
Textile workers laud Fed Govt
Also yesterday, the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) lauded the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board.
Its President, Peters Godonu and General Secretary, Ali Baba, in a statement in Kaduna, said the Tinubu Administration is walking the talk about re-industrialising the country and reviving the labour-intensive textile and garment industry.
The Union was reacting to the National Executive Council’s approval of the proposal for the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board as the regulatory body for the cotton, textile, and garment sector.
NUTGTWN said: “We welcome this bold step by the Federal Government as a clear demonstration of its commitment to reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, which has suffered years of neglect and decline.
“It underscores the government’s recognition of the sector’s critical role in job creation, industrial growth, and national economic development.”
The union hailed its members, entire Nigerian workers, and workers worldwide as they celebrate the dignity of labour and the role of workers in the fight for democracy and social justice.
“We pledge our commitment to improvement in wages and general working conditions of our members.
“We shall intensify our unionisation effort and expand our activities in areas of capacity building, conflict resolution, and national and international solidarity.
“We shall strengthen our campaign for improved productivity and, at the same time, maintain zero tolerance to exploitation and violation of workers’ rights.”
Anambra Speaker: workers are partners in progress
Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, described the state workforce as solid partners in progress.
He urged them to sustain the existing friendly working environment and industrial harmony.
In a goodwill May Day message by his spokesman, Emma Madu, Udeze noted with satisfaction the impressive performance of the Anambra workers in civil service competitions where they outshine their counterparts.
Udeze commended Governor Soludo for improving the status and welfare capacity of the workforce.
“Use the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day to reflect on how to be better and more productive by renewing your efforts through dedication, resilience and innovation,” the Speaker said.
