- TUC demands withdrawal of ‘insensitive’ tax bill
- Obi, Atiku commend ‘tireless efforts’ of workers, ask FG to tackle unemployment
- ‘Backbone of our economy,’ Akpabio, Remi Tinubu, governors hail Nigerian workers
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday assured Nigerians that his administration was conscious of the current economic hardships, with a promise to evolve policies that will tackle them and also improve workers welfare.
The President stated this while addressing Nigeria Workers at the 2025 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square Abuja.
The President, in response to the demands of the workers, acknowledged that Nigerians are facing challenges in the backdrop of the current global situation, but assured that the government will continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment for all workers in line with international best practices.
According to President Tinubu, “These challenges are real, critical and demand definite solutions, which I as your President is poised to address. 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.”
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said his administration will also address issues of underemployment which remains a significant concern.
“These we shall endeavour to pursue vigorously,” noting that our workplace dynamics are evolving faster than ever before, recognising the emerging challenges such as technological advancements, environmental hazards, shifts in work patterns, and mental health concerns, which demand our innovative solutions.
The President revealed that Nigeria is also “at the verge of signing onto the Global Coalition for Social Justice of the International Labour Organization to ensure that Nigeria’s Labour Administration System not only resonates with best practice, but Nigeria’s voice is clearly heard in the international arena of the world of work.
The Coalition has guiding principles, centered around six thematic areas bordering on employment creation, social protection, sustainable enterprises, ensuring human dignity, addressing inequalities and skills investments, and are in tandem with our national priorities particularly with the priority areas of our Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we mark this day, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to a nation where workers are safe, empowered, and have the freedom to actively participate in shaping the future of our country,” he said.
He also assured that his administration stands ready to collaborate with labour unions, the organized and informal private sector, and Civil Society Organizations to create policies and programmes that safeguard the rights and livelihoods of workers across all sectors of the economy.
“My dear Comrades, the theme for this year’s May Day celebrations “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship” speaks to the challenges we face as a nation and the opportunities that lie ahead of us as a people.
“The theme is one that demands our collective attention and serves as a stark reminder of the need to create an environment where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute productively to the growth and prosperity of our nation. As your President, I assure you that this administration is committed to creating such a utopic climate for the common good.
“Economic hardship, which today is a global phenomenon, cuts across all regions, testing the resolve of world leaders, but has not broken our spirit.
“I am well aware of the peculiarities of this economic hardship for Nigerians which is occasioned by the struggles and challenges you workers and indeed many Nigerians face ranging from rising costs of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, loss of livelihoods and the pressure to provide necessities for your families, amongst others.
“It is, however, worth noting that economic progress alone is not enough. We must also reclaim the civic space, the space where ideas are exchanged, voices are heard, and change is born. A vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential for holding leaders accountable, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every Nigerian has a seat at the table. Therefore, to reclaim this space, we must prioritize transparency, inclusivity, equity and dialogue. We must protect the rights of workers to organize, advocate, and participate in decision-making processes. And we must ensure that the voices of the marginalized are amplified, not silenced as it is through this space that we can build trust, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
“Furthermore, this administration shall continue to effect positive changes in the lives of the average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of our citizens who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.”
The President also urged the workers to use the occasion of the Workers’ Day, to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.
“Let us work together to ensure that every worker, regardless of their role or background, has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. Let us stand united in our pursuit of a Nigeria where insecurity is replaced with stability, and where the civic space is a beacon of hope and progress.
“Great Nigerian Workers, I congratulate you all on this special day for your unwavering dedication and contributions. You are the true heroes of our nation, and your efforts will continue to inspire us to strive for excellence in all that we do.
“I salute your dedication, perseverance, and patriotism. This Workers’ Day is a celebration of your achievements and a reminder of the limitless potential we hold as a united and determined people. Together, we will continue to strive for a prosperous and equitable Nigeria of our dreams.”
The President also used the opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the two National Labour Centres; the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for their tireless efforts in organizing this year’s May Day celebrations.
“The government recognizes and respects your contributions in fostering dialogue, promoting workers’ rights, and ensuring that the voices of Nigeria’s workforce are always heard loud and clear. Your efforts and sacrifices have not only uplifted the lives of your members but have also contributed to the betterment of our society.”
TUC demands withdrawal of ‘insensitive’ tax bill
However, the President, Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, says organised labour is against the proposed tax bills by the Federal Government because it imposes heavy burdens on workers’ meagre allowances.
Speaking during the 2025 May Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, Osifo criticised the bills for “disproportionately targeting workers while sparing the wealthy and corporate elites”.
He expressed strong opposition to the bill by the Federal Government, describing it as “anti-worker”.
“The tax proposals were drafted without the involvement of workers. They impose heavy burdens on our meagre allowances —housing, transport, and even medical benefits, yet fail to promote a progressive taxation system that ensures the rich pay their fair share,” he said.
Specifically, Osifo decried the plan to peg the minimum taxable income at N800,000 per annum, noting that the figure was only marginally below the newly agreed National Minimum Wage of N840,000 annually (N70,000 monthly).
“How can you tax someone earning approximately the cost of just eight bags of 50kg rice in a year?
“This policy shows insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian workers amid soaring inflation and economic hardship,” he added.
He further criticised the proposed expansion of the Value Added Tax on essential goods and the introduction of new levies, warning that such measures would escalate the cost of living and disproportionately affect the poor.
The TUC president also highlighted the pressures faced by the informal sector, alleging that small-scale traders and artisans will be subjected to presumptive taxation and excessive compliance costs.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of the anti-worker tax bill.
“Nigeria needs a fair and inclusive tax system, one that exempts essential goods from VAT and provides real support to the informal sector,” he said.
On electoral matters, Osifo called for urgent reforms to address what he described as “a crisis of political legitimacy in Nigeria”.
He urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to initiate a broad-based and inclusive electoral reform process.
“This is not a partisan issue, but a patriotic duty. Stakeholders, including workers, civil society groups, political actors, and youths, must come together to reshape our electoral system to ensure transparency, accountability, and genuine participation,” he said.
Osifo stressed that credible elections are essential to building a just, equitable, and progressive society.
Obi, Atiku commend ‘tireless efforts’ of workers, ask FG to tackle unemployment
Also, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his People’s Democratic Party counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, have celebrated Nigerian workers on the occasion of the Workers Day.
Obi, in his message on May 1, said workers have shown their 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.
“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 labours form the energy that propels our nation,” he stated.
The former governor of Anambra State 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 under-employment rate of over 35% and a youth unemployment and under-employment rate of over 45%, which is one of the highest globally, fuelling all sorts of criminality and social vices.
“Aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production. This, as I have consistently maintained, we can achieve by investing in education, health and fighting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses.
“As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognise the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers,” Obi stated.
For Atiku, the “Nigerian worker stands as the indomitable engine propelling our nation towards its long-sought prosperity.
“The Nigerian worker stands as the indomitable engine propelling our nation towards its long-sought prosperity.
“In the face of relentless hardship and meager compensation, Nigerian workers have continued to bear the burdens of our economic aspirations with silent heroism.”
He said, despite the hardship, Nigerian workers have continued to bear the burdens of economic aspirations with silent heroism.
“Yet, it is disheartening that those entrusted with the reins of policy and governance have failed to reciprocate this steadfast commitment with tangible acts of support and justice.
“The labour force is the soul of our nation. It is both the face and the force of the people. It is thus imperative that governments and employers alike erect unyielding safeguards to protect the dignity, benefits, and entitlements that justly belong to the worker.
“I hereby urge policy makers to draw inspiration from the theme of this year’s celebration, and to embrace the labour force not as a mere tool but as an equal partner in the journey to national greatness,” he said.
‘Backbone of our economy,’ Akpabio, Remi Tinubu, governors hail Nigerian workers
In the same vein, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and First Lady Remi Tinubu have joined the long list of eminent Nigerians commending workers on the 2025 May Day celebrations.
In separate messages to mark the day, Akpabio and Remi Tinubu hailed the contributions of Nigerian workers to the growth and stability of the nation.
Akpabio, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, noted the hard work and dedication of the Nigerian workers.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
The Senate President equally promised to ensure that the rights of workers are guaranteed.
He assured that: “Under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be victimised on account of expressing himself or herself either in demanding their rights or seeking legal redress.
“I must say that Nigerian workers are our pride, and we will not shirk our responsibility working together 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,” Akpabio said.
On her part, Remi Tinubu extended her heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all Nigerian workers for your commitment to nation-building.
“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,” the wife of the president said in a statement she issued on the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration.
“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.”