President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s organised labour movement have expressed contrasting views on the government’s approach to addressing economic hardship and creating sustainable jobs.

At the May Day celebration in Abuja on April 30, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, spoke to the workers, acknowledging the global nature of the economic struggles Nigeria is currently facing. He expressed an awareness of the specific challenges Nigerians are experiencing, which include rising costs of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, loss of livelihoods, and the increasing pressure on families to meet basic needs.

While acknowledging the severity of these issues, Tinubu committed to addressing the hardships, stating that his administration is focused on formulating and implementing policies aimed at promoting job creation, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and stability. He stressed that his government is also dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of society.

“It is in this regard that my administration is not only committed but intentional in formulating and implementing policies that promote job creation, decent jobs, poverty alleviation, economic growth and stability, as well as supporting the most vulnerable among us,” President Tinubu declared.

However, the organised labour movement, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), strongly disagreed with the government’s stance. Both unions contended that Nigeria’s economy is not structured to create jobs and has instead become a “rent economy” reliant on taxes and dues, without a clear strategy for economic recovery.

Labour leaders highlighted the ongoing crisis in the real sectors of the economy, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have seen massive job losses. This, they argued, is largely driven by government policies that have escalated production costs. Manufacturers are struggling with rising costs of raw materials and unsold inventories, leading to widespread factory shutdowns. The unions also pointed out that over 60 multinational companies have exited the Nigerian market since 2023, citing the harsh operating environment as the primary reason for their departure.

The unions stressed that a thriving economy must have a strong domestic manufacturing base to create sustainable jobs. They posed the question: “How can you talk of job creation when the very entities that would provide the jobs are closing shops?”

In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation but also stressed that economic progress alone was insufficient to address the nation’s problems. He urged Nigerians to reclaim the civic space, which he described as vital for democracy. According to the President, this space must be one where ideas are exchanged, voices are heard, and change is born. He called for a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, equity, and dialogue in the pursuit of national progress.

“A vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy,” Tinubu said, adding that it is essential for holding leaders accountable, fostering innovation, and ensuring every Nigerian has a seat at the table. He also emphasised the need to protect workers’ rights to organise, advocate, and participate in decision-making processes. In line with his pledge to improve labour conditions, the President committed to strengthening labour protections, improving job security, and addressing underemployment.

Despite the disagreements, the labour movement presented a united front at the May Day celebrations, with NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo leading a joint address. The unions outlined a 20-point demand to the federal government, calling for proactive policies to encourage investment and create sustainable jobs.

TUC President Osifo argued that workers should not be offered mere promises but tangible, proactive policies that address the root causes of Nigeria’s economic challenges. “Workers are the numbers behind the GDP. They are behind the two million barrels of oil per day. You always hear those figures, but they always fail to recognise the factor of production that leads to those numbers and figures,” Osifo said. “The government should put the issues of workers at the front burner because, without the people, there would be no nation.”

The labour unions also raised concerns over the worsening inadequacy of the N70,000 national minimum wage, which they argued no longer reflects the realities of inflation and rising living costs. They demanded an immediate adjustment of the minimum wage and requested that the government clarify its taxation policies, particularly with regard to the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax.

Labour also renewed calls for a reduction in telecommunications tariffs, from 50 per cent to 35 per cent, in line with previous agreements. They called for institutional reforms to ensure economic justice, including the implementation of a living wage, fair taxation, and an end to policies that prioritise corporate profits over the survival of workers. The unions also argued that energy infrastructure and essential services must serve the people rather than private interests.

Other key demands included the restoration of gratuity payments for public servants, a review of the electricity privatisation policy, and an upward review of the retirement age for public servants. Labour also requested an end to dehumanising verification exercises and a guarantee of dignity in retirement through automatic adjustments to pensions to reflect inflationary trends.

Rivers TUC boycotts Workers’ Day over emergency rule
The TUC, Rivers State chapter, boycotted the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration yesterday in protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The union described the decision as “hasty and unconstitutional”.

In a statement by the TUC Secretary in Rivers State, Comrade June Danagogo, the union criticised the president’s action, calling it “a blatant violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and “a direct assault on democracy”.

The TUC expressed concern that suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state house of assembly undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of subnational governments.

“This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power,” Danagogo said. “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”

The union warned of severe economic and social repercussions, including job losses and the collapse of businesses. “It will disrupt economic activities, force businesses to shut down, lead to wage cuts, and expose citizens to heightened insecurity,” the statement added.

Danagogo urged President Tinubu to respect constitutional limits and act with restraint. “The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion,” he said.

The TUC also drew attention to Nigeria’s turbulent political history, cautioning against a return to “military-era authoritarianism” and describing the president’s action as reminiscent of undemocratic practices .

“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes,” the union stated. “We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.”

Osun workers endorse gov’s second-term bid amid controversy over alleged inducement
Hundreds of workers in Osun State declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term ambition, chanting “No vacancy till 2030” during a rally.

The endorsement was led by NLC and TUC chairmen, Christopher Arapasopo and Bimbo Fasasi, respectively.

The labour leaders announced the endorsement after consultations with their rank and file, citing the governor’s positive performance and achievements in workers’ welfare.

A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, listed several key accomplishments, including prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, the clearance of salary arrears owed by the previous administration, the full implementation of the National Minimum Wage, and a range of benefits for retirees and pensioners.

“Governor Adeleke’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare. From the full payment of outstanding salary arrears to the implementation of a free health insurance cover for pensioners, these actions reflect his dedication to improving the lives of workers,” said Arapasopo.

In his address, Governor Adeleke announced the approval of a new bond payment for pensioners, worth over N4 billion, which was met with wild applause from the workers. “Through the Office of the Head of Service, I have approved the payment of bonds for retirees under the contributory pension scheme,” the governor said.

However, the endorsement sparked controversy. The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused the Adeleke administration of using state resources to secure the support of labour unions for his second-term bid. The opposition party alleged that the state government disbursed N172 million to the factional leadership of the NLC, the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the TUC.

According to a statement from the APC’s Director of Media and Information, N97 million was allegedly allocated to NULGE, while N75 million was shared between the NLC and TUC. The APC claims this financial inducement was meant to secure the unions’ endorsement for the governor’s re-election during the May Day celebrations.

The allegations of inducement have been met with criticism, with the APC accusing the governor of squandering public funds to gain political support. However, the labour unions have stood by their endorsement, emphasizing the governor’s worker-friendly policies.

Obi, Atiku advocate tangible support for workers amid economic hardship
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, celebrated Nigerian workers on the occasion of Workers’ Day.

Obi, in his message on May 1, said workers have shown resilience and commitment to national growth despite the harsh economic realities.

“The struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges, are obvious. Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth,” he stated.

“On this International Workers’ Day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our Nigerian workers, whose unwavering commitment and immense contributions drive our nation’s growth and development.”

“A day like this offers us the opportunity to appreciate every Nigerian worker at different levels of government, across different agencies, private industries, and business sectors – your legitimate labour forms the energy that propels our nation.”

The former Anambra governor also decried the level of unemployment in the country, putting the figure at 35 per cent.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that youths are duly employed to reduce criminal activities and other social vices.

“Notwithstanding the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has an unemployment and underemployment rate of over 35 per cent, and a youth unemployment and underemployment rate of over 45 per cent, which is one of the highest globally, fuelling all sorts of criminality and social vices.”

For Atiku, the “Nigerian worker stands as the indomitable engine propelling our nation towards its long-sought prosperity.”