May Day Reflections: Tinubu, First Lady salute workers’ sacrifices, pledge brighter future amid mounting economic pressures

As Nigeria celebrates 2025 Workers day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers, acknowledging their pivotal role in building the nation's economy and driving development.

In a message shared via his official X handle @officialABAT, the president wrote:

“To every Nigerian worker, Happy Workers’ Day. You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth. Our administration has and will continue to prioritize workers welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.”

“To everyone – young and old, entrepreneurs and employees, whether in the public or private sector – your meaningful contributions are essential to the growth of our homes, communities, and our dear nation. Happy Workers’ Day, Nigeria.”

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also joined in honouring Nigerian workers, praising their dedication, despite current hardships. 

“On this special Workers’ Day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all Nigerian workers for your commitment to nation-building. May your efforts continue to yield fruit, and may we, as a nation, always uphold the value of your labour.
 
This year’s celebration is a reminder of the dignity of labour and the importance of creating opportunities that are fair to all. I salute the men and women who rise each day to go to work and support our economy.
 
Across all sectors, whether public or private, formal or informal, Nigerian workers remain the backbone of our development and the driving force behind our nation’s progress.
 
I wish you all a happy Workers’ Day celebration and I pray that our beloved nation continues to prosper and grow in leaps and bounds.”

However, beyond the presidential tributes, Nigerian workers continue to face significant challenges. Despite the recent increase in minimum wage, the value of real wages has been severely diminished by rising inflation and the high cost of living. Essentials such as food, fuel, electricity, and transportation have become less affordable, placing a heavy burden on the average worker.

Additionally, job insecurity continues to rise across various sectors, with reports of downsizing, delayed salaries, and unstable employment conditions. For many, the celebratory tone of May Day is overshadowed by uncertainty about the future.

Workers’ Day, marked globally every May 1st, serves as both a celebration of labour and a call to action for better working conditions, economic fairness, and social justice.