President Bola Tinubu has pledged to enhance living and working conditions for all working-age Nigerians, emphasizing that those overseeing the nation’s machinery deserve equitable wages and improved welfare.
In his inaugural May Day message dedicated to workers nationwide, conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the welfare of all workers. This includes various relief programs and the imminent review of the minimum wage.
“Tinubu strongly believes that those managing the nation’s machinery deserve fair wages and enhanced welfare,” the statement read. “He assures Nigerian workers of his dedication to improving their welfare, enhancing their working conditions, and providing the necessary tools for their success.”
These remarks come amidst a cost-of-living crisis believed to stem from stringent economic reforms pursued by the administration. Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu implemented measures such as discontinuing petrol subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates to stimulate infrastructural expansion and curb currency arbitrage. However, these actions have led to instability in the value of the Naira and increased hardships for Nigerians.
Defending the removal of petrol subsidies at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu described it as necessary to prevent bankruptcy and reset the economy for growth.
On May Day, President Tinubu saluted Nigerian workers for their dedication to the nation’s peace, progress, and development, acknowledging their tireless efforts across various sectors, from clerical officers to security personnel, teachers, and doctors.
He concluded by extending his best wishes to Nigerian workers for a Happy May Day celebration.
The celebration of Workers’ Day in Nigeria traces back to the People’s Redemption Party government in Kaduna and Kano in 1980, which adopted May 1 as a public holiday to commemorate International Workers’ Day. Subsequently, the Federal Government under Shehu Shagari declared May 1 as a national holiday in 1981 to honor International Workers’ Day.
