President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigerian workers, acknowledging their role in nation building.
Tinubu said their dedication and resilience drives the engine of the Nigerian economy.
Tinubu spoke through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, during the celebration of the 2025 Workers Day at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Thursday.
Tinubu said his felicitations and gratitude goes to the hardworking men and women of the country, describing them as the backbone of the society whose dedication and resilience drives the engine of the Nigerian economy.
He also sent in felicitations to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for their tireless efforts in organizing the May Day celebrations.
According to Tinubu, his government recognizes and respects the labour unions’ contributions in fostering dialogue, promoting workers’ rights, and ensuring that the voices of Nigeria’s workforce are always heard loud and clear.
He said, “Your efforts and sacrifices have not only uplifted the lives of your members but have also contributed to the betterment of our society.
“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.
“This 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.”;
Reflecting on the theme for this year’s May Day celebration, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship’, Tinubu said it speaks to the challenges faced by the nation and the opportunities that lie ahead for the people.
The President said the theme is one that demands 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 the 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.
“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.
“It is 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,”; the President said.
Tinubu pledged that his government will continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment for all workers in line with international best practices.
He equally pledged to address issues of underemployment which he said remains a significant concern.
The President said, “We shall endeavour to pursue vigorously because our workplace dynamics are evolving faster than ever before, recognizing the emerging challenges such as technological advancements, environmental hazards, shifts in work patterns, and mental health concerns, which demand our innovative solutions.
“It is in this regard that Nigeria is 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 guiding principles of the Coalition are centered around six (6) 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.
“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.
“It is against this backdrop that I urge you all to on this Workers’ Day, reaffirm your 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 dream.”;
