The organised Labour in Nigeria has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse what it describes as the unconstitutional suspension of the elected Government of Rivers State via a state of emergency.
This is part of the demands put forward by both the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Comrades Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, during the May Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The labour leaders urged the Federal and state governments to cease actions that erode the civic space and deepen it for the sake of the nation.
It demanded democratic accountability, built on transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissent.
Labour urged the Federal Government to end what it calls the genocidal killings and bloodletting across the country, saying the number one duty of the government is ensuring the safety of lives and property of the citizens.
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On the tax bills before the National Assembly, the organised labour has called for their withdrawal to allow Nigerian workers to sit at the table where it is being conceived.
According to the organised labour, the tax bills, crafted without the input of the NLC and the TUC, impose a burden on workers while letting the rich and corporations off the hook.
On the hike in the telecommunication tariff, the labour demanded an immediate reduction from 50 percent to 35 percent.
Furthermore, the organised Labour has demanded an immediate salary adjustment that is commensurate to the current economic realities in the country.
Other demands by the Labour are immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions and gratuities across the nation; restoration of gratuity payments; upward review of retirement age; automatic adjustment of pensions to reflect inflationary trends.
Demands extension of retirement age to 65
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to raise the retirement age for all civil servants to 65 years or 40 years of service, aligning with conditions already granted to select sectors.
Speaking during the May Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal while presenting the union’s key demands.
“It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants,” Ajaero stated.
He emphasised that equal treatment across all categories of civil servants would promote fairness, boost morale, and enhance efficiency in the public sector.
…demands full enforcement of new minimum wage
Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the full enforcement of the N70,000 national minimum wage.
Speaking during the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, said workers are facing severe economic hardship due to deteriorating living conditions.
Ajaero expressed concern over the worsening plight of Nigerian workers, who, he said, are at a crossroads due to “anti-workers policies”.
He noted that despite the enactment of the minimum wage act, several states and private organisations are yet to implement the legislation, exacerbating the struggles of workers across the country.
The NLC president stressed that the law must be obeyed, urging unions to push for not only compliance but also a comprehensive wage review to address the increasing hardship faced by workers.
“The Nigerian worker stands against the backdrop of rising inequality, job losses, and deteriorating living standards,” NAN quoted Ajaero as saying.
“Capitalism continues to widen the gap between the rich and poor, while the state appears to enforce the policies of international financial institutions to the detriment of workers.
“The law must be obeyed. We must begin a fresh push for not just compliance, but also for a comprehensive wage review to mitigate the hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
“Our liberation will not be gifted, it must be won. The ruling class fears our unity, and we must continue to build a movement that demands its rightful share, not just crumbs,
“No to hunger! No to hardship! No to bad governance! These must be our rallying cries.
“We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and we must never be complicit.”
Tinubu pledges job security, fair treatment for workers
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening job security and ensuring the fair treatment of Nigerian workers, as he addressed thousands of workers and labour leaders during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The event, marked by solidarity chants, colourful parades, with a theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space amid Economic Hardship”, served as a rallying point for renewed dialogue between the government and organized labour, in the face of growing socioeconomic challenges.
Delivering a passionate speech, President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, lauded Nigerian workers as the “backbone of our society,” and emphasized that his administration would “continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment for all workers in line with international best practices.”
He declared, “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.”
Acknowledging the economic hardships confronting many Nigerians, Tinubu admitted the “real and critical” nature of rising costs of living, unemployment, and food insecurity, while pledging intensified efforts in job creation, social protection, and poverty alleviation.
“I am well aware of the peculiarities of this economic hardship for Nigerians. These challenges… demand definite solutions, which I as your President am poised to address,” he said.
Tinubu also used the occasion to stress the importance of reclaiming civic space — the democratic arena where dialogue, dissent, and social innovation flourish. In a marked pro-labour tone, he asserted, “We must protect the rights of workers to organize, advocate, and participate in decision-making processes. We must ensure that the voices of the marginalized are amplified, not silenced.”
In a notable policy highlight, the President revealed Nigeria’s intent to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice under the International Labour Organization, aligning the country with international standards on employment creation, social equity, and workers’ rights.
He further assured workers of his administration’s readiness to adapt to emerging workplace realities including technology disruption, environmental hazards, mental health issues, and evolving work patterns.
Reiterating his anti-corruption drive, Tinubu vowed to “fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of our citizens.” He appealed for national unity and renewed social justice, calling on all workers to recommit themselves to “fairness, equity, and justice.”
The President concluded his remarks with a tribute to Nigerian workers: “You are the true heroes of our nation… This Workers’ Day is a celebration of your achievements and a reminder of the limitless potential we hold as a united and determined people.”
The 2025 May Day celebration showcased a rare blend of festive energy and sober reflection, as workers welcomed the President’s commitments with cautious optimism while urging quick and practical actions on promises made.
