As Nigeria marked Workers’ Day 2025, labour unions across the country expressed deep frustration over worsening economic conditions and called for an urgent review of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) criticized the Federal Government’s economic policies, blaming inflation, rising tariffs, and currency devaluation for eroding workers’ incomes. Many said workers are now worse off under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite promises of a “living wage.”
Bayelsa TUC Chairman, Julius Laye, said multiple taxes, subsidy removal, and inflation have rendered the current wage ineffective, even for basic healthcare. “We are worse off in this administration than we had ever been,” he stated.
In Ebonyi, both NLC and TUC leaders described the suffering of workers as unprecedented. NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu said the theme of this year’s celebration — “Reclaiming a Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship” — reflects the reality faced by workers. “Every face of a typical Nigerian worker tells the story of multi-dimensional poverty,” he added.
Similar concerns were echoed by labour leaders in Niger, Rivers, Imo, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states. They said skyrocketing food and transport costs have effectively wiped out any gains from the wage increase.
Niger TUC Chairman, Ibrahim Gana, described workers’ conditions as “pathetic,” saying most can no longer afford basic needs. “It’s like we are not even working,” he said.
In Lagos, NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi criticized the lack of government response to the daily rise in living costs. “Prices keep rising, and nothing is being done to ease the pain,” she said.
Ogun TUC Chair Akeem Lasisi summed up the general sentiment: “There is little to celebrate this Workers’ Day.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, meanwhile, assured workers that the National Assembly and the executive would work together to address their concerns and foster economic growth.
But labour leaders insisted words were not enough. They urged immediate policy reforms and wage adjustments to protect workers from further hardship.
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