May Day celebrations across Nigeria on Wednesday were characterised by uneasy calm and the sizing up of one another between the labour unions and governments at different levels. While the government stemmed the labour’s concerns and fears on minimum wage pledging that whatever agreement is reached by the Tripartite Committee the new minimum wage will become effective May 1, 2024. Labour on the other hand has given notice of an industrial action with effect from May 31, 2024, if the new minimum wage was not announced by the government.

Accolades and recognitions were given to the Nigerian workers by the governments at the various parade grounds where the labour unions commemorated May Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate workers worldwide. The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,”

It was a day, that the labour unions showcased their unity and solidarity by holding one event. In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the gathering of workers was addressed by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero as president and the Trade Union Congress with Mr Festus Osifo as president.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima in a speech at the event assured the Organised Labour that their understanding, patience, commitment and support in the course of implementing his administration’s policies and programmes are not taken for granted.

He applauded the Nigerian workers for their contributions to ongoing efforts by the government to save the nation’s economy, describing them as “an indispensable component of the nation’s engine,” in the bid to build a just and progressive society.

Delivering the President’s address titled, “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers”, VP Shettima stated: “Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised. Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.

“I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation. Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board”.

President Tinubu assured the workers that their days of worrying were over, just as he hinted at his administration’s readiness to consider a national living wage that will address their living conditions, instead of a minimum wage, if suggested by the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage set up on January 30, 2024, by the federal government.

Fresh Demands from Labour
Labour Leaders Addressing Workers

Addressing workers, the NLC president said the last minimum wage of N30,000 expired on April 18 and “we should be in the regime of new minimum wage as of today”. He described as mischievous, the salary increase of between 25% and 35% for civil servants announced on Tuesday by the Federal Government.

The organized labour comprising the NLC and TUC also demanded an end to excessive borrowing by the Federal Government. “We demand an end to disastrous policies like excessive borrowing and corruption. We need transparency in governance and accountability for public funds”.

On the energy crisis plaguing the country, the two labour centres decried what they termed as an uninspiring approach to managing the energy resources, warning that it spelt doom for any nation.

The unions stated that the country was being crippled by incompetence and selfishness, leaving citizens and the economy vulnerable. They also stated that power, regardless of its origin, fuels economic growth, saying the government needed to collaborate with the people to ensure energy benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.

On the fuel crisis, the TUC President, Festus Osifo, demanded prompt action on the refineries, referencing the failure of the Federal Government to bring the refineries on stream despite repeated promises to do so. “There is suspicion of sabotage to profit from importing at the expense of our economy. The recent refinery agreement lacks transparency, echoing past exploitation in other sectors.

On the Intending New Minimum Wage
Ajaero had earlier explained how the Organised Labour agreed on N615,000 as the living wage for civil servants.

He said, “Living wage is such that will, at least keep you alive. It is not a wage that will make you poorer and poorer. It is not a wage that will make you borrow to go to work. It is not a wage that will lead you to be in the hospital every day because of malnutrition. For that living wage, we have tried to look at N615,000.

“Let me give you a breakdown of how we arrived at that figure. We have housing and accommodation of N40,000. We asked for electricity of N20,000 — of course, that was before the current tariff increase. Nobody can spend this amount currently. We have a utility that is about N10,000. We looked at kerosene and gas which is about N25,000 to N35,000.

“We looked at food for a family of six, that is about N9,000 in a day. For 30 days, that is about N270,000. Look at medical, N50,000 provided there will be no surgery or whatever.

“For clothing, we looked at N20,000. For education, N50,000. I don’t know if those who tried to put their children in private school, will not be able to cope with this amount. We also have sanitation of N10,000.

Celebrations and Speeches from the States
Lagos State
In Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured workers in the State that his administration would implement a new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. Sanwo-Olu made the commitment in response to the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congres, TUC, during the Workers Day rally held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

He praised all the committed, dedicated, resilient, and passionate workers in Lagos State for their contributions across all sectors in building and shaping the state, even in the face of challenges, saying “This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with his administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned

Gombe State
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State assured workers of his administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of workers in the state, saying they deserved fair and adequate wages. He said workers were entitled to a living wage, recognising their resilience and dedication in contributing to the state’s progress and development.

Benue State
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers in the state, pledging to sustain efforts aimed at improving their working conditions and overall well-being. He commended the workers for their contributions to the development of Benue State. He aligned his administration’s efforts with this year’s Labour Day.

He promised to sustain the government’s top priority to workers’ welfare, which is evident in the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as efforts to address the backlog of inherited gratuities for both state and local government retirees.

Bayelsa State
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has set up a committee to work out the modalities for implementing a new minimum wage for workers in the state. He said: “I am not unaware of the challenges that we all are facing as workers and the demand for an increase in minimum wage and we have been waiting patiently to hear from the committee set up by the federal government that also included the chairman of the Governor’s Forum but having heard from the Federal Government.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has set up a five-man committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government.

Oyo State
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured workers that his administration will not delay in implementing the new minimum wage. Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday in his address at the 2024 May Day celebrations, held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.

Ondo State
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State affirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers.

Speaking in Akure, he said, “In a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, our administration is prioritising regular payment of salaries and pensions, steady disbursement of gratuity, and clearance of salary backlogs.”

Nasarawa State
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has pledged to enhance the welfare package for all civil servants in the state as they join their counterparts worldwide to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day.

Addressing workers in Lafia, Sule assured of his administration’s commitment to consulting and engaging organised labour on workers’ welfare issues. Represented by the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Abigail Waya, he said his government is ready to sustain its labour-friendly approach and address workers’ challenges.

Bauchi State
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and well-being of workers and pensioners in the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Honourable Auwal Mohammed Jatau, at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Mohammed reiterated his administration’s track record of ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, including the provision of one-year leave grants to state civil servants since assuming office in 2019.