The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of failing to adequately protect Nigerian workers who continue to face poverty, exploitation, and harsh economic conditions.
In a statement marking the 2026 International Workers’ Day, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the occasion should not only be about celebration but also a moment to reflect on the difficult realities many workers still endure across the country.
He noted that while workers remain essential to national development, their welfare has not received the attention it deserves.
“On this International Workers’ Day, the Nigerian Bar Association joins millions of Nigerians and workers across the country in celebrating the dignity of labour, the resilience of the Nigerian worker, and the enduring value of hard work in nation-building,” Osigwe said.
He added that from civil servants to artisans, teachers, traders, and professionals in the legal field, Nigerian workers continue to make sacrifices that sustain the country’s economy and institutions.
“From the public servant to the artisan, from the teacher to the trader, and indeed to legal practitioners across the country, your daily sacrifices continue to shape the future of our nation,” he stated.
The NBA stressed that workers’ rights are protected under the Constitution and should not be treated as optional policy commitments.
“As members of the legal profession, we recognize that the protection of workers’ rights is not merely a policy objective but a constitutional imperative,” Osigwe said.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for fair labour practices, improved access to justice for workers, and stronger enforcement of existing labour laws.
However, the NBA expressed concern that many Nigerian workers are still grappling with delayed salaries, poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and weak social protection systems.
“These realities call for renewed commitment from all stakeholders, government, employers, and institutions, to create an environment where labour is truly valued and rewarded,” the statement added.
The association called for urgent reforms to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen labour institutions, and ensure better protection for vulnerable citizens.
Despite the challenges, the NBA commended the resilience and determination of Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of national progress and development.
