President Tinubu Guarantees Workers That Worrying Days Are Over.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu gave the Organised Labour group the reassurance that his administration values their cooperation, tolerance, dedication, and understanding as it implements its policies and plans.

In an attempt to create a fair and forward-thinking society, he praised Nigerian workers for their contributions to the government's continuous efforts to salvage the country's economy, calling them "an indispensable component of the nation's engine."

The President provided the assurance at a ceremony held in Eagle Square, Abuja, to commemorate May Day in 2024. He acknowledged and valued the workers' labor, sacrifices, and contributions to the stability and prosperity of the country, saying that they are Nigeria's backbone.

Through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke on his behalf, Tinubu praised the selection of "People First" as this year's May Day theme, noting that it not only aligns with the goals of his administration but also shows that "the working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation."

Delivering the President’s address titled, “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers”, VP Shettima in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha 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 realized. As a result, please accept my sincere congratulations on this momentous occasion.

“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”.

On January 30, 2024, the Federal Government established the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. The committee's recommendation for a national living wage, as opposed to a minimum wage that would address workers' living conditions, was hinted at by President Tinubu, who also told the workers that their days of worry were over. The 2024 Workers Day was celebrated with great anticipation.

He stated, “The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.

Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage, but a living wage.”

While acknowledging that he came into office during a period when many other countries, including Nigeria, were facing "daunting socio-political and developmental challenges," Tinubu insisted that his administration had been "resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on."

“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you, we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges,” he added.

But the President noted that without promoting peace and togetherness, it would be impossible to "achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak."

He made the point that an environment of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every section of the nation is necessary for the realisation of Nigeria's "shared vision for national growth and development."

It was earlier that the workers were reminded that this was President Tinubu's first May Day. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said that this was a reminder "of the great sacrifices made by the working class towards the enthronement of dignity of labour which are key to national growth and development."

According to the Minister, while President Tinubu “believes that every worker deserves to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination, and oppression,” the government is “creating workplaces that offer respect, job security and inclusivity for all.”

Onyejeocha asked organised labour to "maintain social dialogue in resolving disputes," assuring them that the Tinubu government "empathises with the plight of workers and will do all it can to address the issues."

The Federal Capital Territory's Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, stated in his message of goodwill that the FCT government is dedicated to the needs and welfare of its workforce, recognising that workers constitute the backbone of the region's public sector.

In addition, Wike stated that the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission was evidence of the administration's commitment to the well-being of public servants, promising them justice, respect, and dignity in their treatment.

Comrade Adenike Ajala, the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) representative, for her part, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to the issues facing Nigerian workers and swore that NECA would always preserve the concept of collective bargaining in all discussions pertaining to employees' well-being.

The presidents of Nigeria's two largest labour unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), argued in a joint speech that improving productivity and putting worker welfare first are essential for the country's development.

"Leadership is about the people," declared Comrade Festus Osifo of the TUC and Comrade Joe Ajaero of the NLC. The effect that government has on people's lives is the only metric for success.

They implored the government to expeditiously finalise discussions on a national minimum wage that takes into account the financial circumstances faced by Nigerian labourers.