President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration remained committed to prioritising the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The president said this in a post on his official X handle to mark the 2025 Workers’ Day, acknowledging the critical role of workers in national development.
“To every Nigerian worker, Happy Workers’ Day. You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth. Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.
“Here’s to everyone – young and old, entrepreneur or employee, in the private or public sector – whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear nation. Happy Workers’ Day, Nigeria,” President Tinubu.
Abuja
Meanwhile, the Organised Labour has called on the federal government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
Mr Ajaero and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
The NLC President described May Day as not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of the rights of workers by some agents.
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, Mr Ajaero underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices, is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Mr Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same vein, Mr Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
Ebonyi
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State announced a N10, 000 May-Day celebration gift to the workers in the state.
Mr Nwifuru made the disclosure at the occasion of the May-Day in Abakaliki, the state capital on Thursday.
The governor described the workers as the “engine room” of the government and pledged his continued support to their well-being.
“I will remain indebted to the workers in the state and under my watch, workers will remain symbols of excellency.
“Today’s May-Day celebration is the reflection of workers’ contributions to nation building.
“I understand the challenges you face. My administration is committed to tackling them. We are committed to promoting conducive Civic space for workers.
“We must stay together as partners in progress for a better Ebonyi,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogugua Egwu, and his TUC counterpart, Chidi Igboji, in a joint address commended Mr Nwifuru especially on the implementation of the N75, 000 minimum wage.
On the unions demand from the governor, they expressed worry about the delay to deploy shuttle buses to the state secretariat, Centenary city.
“The workers in the state are in serious need of improving housing projects due to the high cost of rent in the state. Provide more housing estates for our members.
“There is a need to increase the pension of retirees as it’s obtainable in other parts of the country. Equip government offices in the secretariat among others,” the Organised Labour Union added.
Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State hailed workers in the state for their sacrifices and industrial harmony in the state.
The governor stated this during the “2025 Workers Day Celebration” on Thursday in Enugu with the theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
Mr Mbah, represented by his Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh, said that he had always demonstrated commitment to the improvement of their welfare.
He said that his administration approved the promotion and conversion of over 2,000 workers who were successful in the 2024 promotion and interviews.
“I paid palliative even after the federal government and other states had stopped payment of N80,000 minimum wage to workers in the state including Local Government workers.
“I approved payment of gratuity upon retirement from the state public service, provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses for the benefits of Enugu State workers and other residents.
“We also restored power supply at the State Secretariat complex and introduced E-governance in the state bureaucracy,” Mr Mbah said.
He explained that his administration could not considerately grow Enugu State into a $30 billion economy without a dedicated workforce.
“So, our development and glorious future that we envisioned require a collective work.
“On our part, we will continue to motivate our workers because a motivated workforce is a productive workforce,” the governor said.
Speaking, the Chairperson of the NLC, Enugu Chapter, Fabian Nwigbo, said the minimum wage received by workers in Enugu did not contain consequential adjustment.
“We are so happy that Mbah gave Enugu workers minimum wage above national minimum wage but a minimum wage without a consequential adjustment is not complete.
“So, we are pleading with him to consider and direct that a consequential adjustment be part of minimum wage we receive.
“We are praying that he uses his good heart to consider our plight and direct that a consequential adjustment be paid to workers of Enugu State,” Mr Nwigbo said.
He commended the governor for his numerous developmental strides, calling on him to ensure that after the pensioners’ verification, the payment of gratuity arrears to all retirees comprising State, Local Government, Primary School, Parastatals and others commence without delay.
“We are also urging him to direct the payment of pension arrears to retirees of State parastatals, primary schools, and local governments.
“We are also appealing to him to approve the payment of domestic servant allowances for Deputy Directors and Directors using the N80,000 minimum wage, rather than the outdated N30,000;
“To reconsider and approve the commencement of annual leave allowance payments to workers as well as construction of low-cost housing for workers, given the housing deficit and high cost of rent in our State,” he added.
On his part, the TUC Chairperson, Benneth Asogwa, added that the issue of consequential adjustment was an ingredient of the minimum wage.
“If you did not approve consequential adjustment, it is like a good food without salt as it gives the minimum wage the structure it deserves and make it a true salary.
“A singular amount for everybody is more of wage award but we trust in His Excellency and believe that in due time he will direct for consequential adjustment,” Mr Asogwa said
He reiterated the workers’ resolve to continue to support his administration by ensuring that the government policies and programmes aimed at taking Enugu State to an enviable height were diligently implemented.
Oyo
The Oyo State Council of the NLC says the state owned tertiary institutions, judiciary and some Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are yet to receive the new minimum wage.
The Chairperson of the Council, Kayode Martins, stated this during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Ibadan on Thursday.
Mr Martins said though, Governor Seyi Makinde had approved N80,000 as minimum wage in the state which have been paid to some, such approval requires the increment of subvention for some MDAs, state owned tertiary institutions and the judiciary for them to be able to pay the new wage.
“As we are talking some MDAs, judiciary and state tertiary institutions are finding it difficult to pay the increment in salary, as a result of the approval of N80,000 as new minimum wage, even the retirees have not been enjoying it too.
“We want the state government and other authorities to take note of this and act on it,” he said.
Mr Martins, however, appreciated the Oyo State Government for paying N80,000 minimum wages, an amount higher than the one approved by the federal government for workers.
He further said that the new minimum wage was no longer enough for workers due to some policies of the government which had caused hardship to the workers and citizens.
The Chairperson said that the 2025 workers’ Day celebration was to call the attention of the federal government to the hardship faced by workers and citizens in the country.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, said Nigerians are currently experiencing hardship due to policies of the Bola Tinubu led administration.
Mr Olabiyi-Agoro said the organised unions in the country would not relent in fighting for the rights of workers and citizens in the country.
He called on the government at all levels to prioritise education, welfare and protection of citizens.
He said the union would not act as antagonist to favourable policies of the government and would continue to provide useful advice to the government.
The Secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, Olusegun Abatan, commended Mr Makinde for approving the review of pensions in the state.
Mr Abatan said that the review had placed the pensioners in Oyo State as one of the highest paid among pensioners in Nigeria.
Speaking, Mr Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, pledged the commitment of government to the welfare of workers in the state and promised not to marginalise them in the scheme of things.
Mr Makinde, who reeled out his achievements to workers since assuming office to include prompt payment of salary, promotions among others, said the government would continue to support and create a conducive environment for workers to discharge their duties effectively.
“We are committed to eliminating the promotion backlog of workers and ensuring workers are given their dues,” he said.
Kano
Governor Kabir Yusuf of Kano State said his administration has embarked on comprehensive reforms aimed at revitalising the civil service, pension management, and institutionalising continuous training for workers.
Mr Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday in his address at the May Day celebration held at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
He described the celebration as a tribute to the historic struggle for workers’ rights, dignity, and justice, noting that the day goes beyond a public holiday.
“Today is not merely a public holiday; it is a day rooted in sacrifice and the pursuit of justice, equity, and the dignity of labour,” he said.
The governor recalled that Kano was the first state to host an official May Day event in 1980, under the late Governor Abubakar Rimi, and pledged to sustain that legacy through policies focused on the welfare of workers.
Mr Yusuf announced that the state government had adopted a new minimum wage of N71,000 for civil servants, placing Kano among the first states in the country to implement such a wage increase.
“Through deliberate and determined efforts, we have ensured that the new minimum wage in Kano State now stands at N71,000. This step is critical in boosting morale, reducing economic hardship, and enhancing productivity,” he said.
The governor highlighted key initiatives targeting the revitalisation of the civil service, including institutionalising regular training and capacity building through workshops and partnerships with institutions such as the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).
“These efforts are part of our broader strategy to modernise administrative processes and ensure that civil servants are equipped with the skills needed to meet contemporary governance demands,” he said.
Mr Yusuf stated that his administration is also reviewing critical operational documents such as the Civil Service Rules, Financial Instructions, and the Scheme of Service to bring them in line with best practices.
According to him, the reforms are expected to improve productivity, enhance discipline, and streamline service delivery across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
The governor said similar reforms were being introduced in the pension system to ensure timely and equitable payments to retirees.
“Pension reform is not just an administrative task; it is a moral obligation to those who have served the state with honour,” he said.
Mr Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the welfare of civil servants and pensioners, describing them as central to the success of government operations.
He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the public service to support the successful implementation of the reforms.
Niger
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State dismissed rumours of a rift with the state’s Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, saying they have a perfect and harmonious working relationship.
Mr Bago dismissed the rumours in an interview with journalists, shortly after his speech at the 2025 International Workers Day celebration in Minna on Thursday.
“We are a team and they can’t break us. Our focus is on the goal and we will achieve it. A New Niger is possible,” he said.
The governor, however, appreciated workers’ sacrifices to the state and nation, thanking them for their perseverance and faith in government.
He commended teachers for their sacrifices and nationalism in ensuring children become important people in society because they are the backbone of the educational system.
He assured workers that the state government would work to ensure that civil servants got their entitlement after retirement on time.
Mr Bago announced that the state government was working with Chinese investors to establish electric vehicles companies in the state, making cars affordable for civil servants.
He thanked health workers for their patriotism and promised to improve their welfare.
The governor also announced plans to build 10,000 housing units for civil servants to make life easier for the workers.
Earlier, Idrees Lafene, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger, commended Mr Bago for his worker-friendly policies, which had improved welfare of civil servants in the state.
“As we join workers across the globe to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day, we do so under a powerful theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.’”
Mr Lafene, represented by Ibrahim Gana, the Chairperson of Trade Union Congress, listed achievements of the governor to include the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage.
Others are resumption of gratuity payments, distribution of palliatives and gifts to workers, and payment of wage awards to civil servants.
He disclosed that the union resolved to confer the prestigious Worker Hero Award on the governor in recognition of his outstanding service to the working class and the people of the state.
Mr Lafene identified critical challenges that required urgent attention to include the implementation of promotions and annual step increments and payment of hazard, medical, and disturbance allowances for judiciary workers, among others.
He said labour was not an enemy but a partner in progress and demanded the implementation of a minimum pension policy to align with the N80,000 minimum wage.
He called for urgent revitalisation of decaying infrastructure in tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and healthcare facilities, and the review of the current policy on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) retention by tertiary institutions.
Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, represented by Abubakar Gomna, emphasised the legislature’s commitment to collaborative efforts with workers in the development of the state.
Mr Sarkindaji said the doors of the legislature were widely opened for workers to address their concerns and improve their welfare.
Ogun
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economy and labour force.
Speaking at the 2025 May Day celebration in Abeokuta, Mr Abiodun praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, which he said have repositioned the nation toward growth and stability.
The governor noted that the May Day gathering highlights the enduring relationship between workers and government as partners in national development.
He credited Tinubu’s policies for inspiring the Nigerian workforce to increased productivity and driving progress across various sectors.
Mr Abiodun said inflation is dropping, the naira is stable, and the economy is rebounding — clear signs of Nigeria’s upward trajectory under Tinubu’s leadership.
“Asiwaju’s policies have improved workers’ welfare, competitiveness, and output,” he said, hailing the President’s role in strengthening the labour force.
He called on workers to support both federal and state governments in building a nation worthy of emulation and global respect.
The governor commended the Ogun chapters of the NLC and TUC for maintaining industrial peace over the past 15 months.
“I applaud all labour unions in Ogun for ensuring a protest-free, harmonious workplace environment,” Mr Abiodun said.
He promised that the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration would take place in a brand-new pavilion dedicated to honouring Ogun’s workforce.
Highlighting achievements, Mr Abiodun said his administration has created a business-friendly climate attracting world-class investors to the state.
He affirmed continued support for retirees, revealing that N79.9 billion in pensions had been cleared for state and local council workers.
The governor added that over 5,000 affordable housing units have been delivered, alongside N8 billion in palliatives for workers and retirees.
“These funds eased the impact of PMS price hikes and reinforced our commitment to workers’ welfare,” he said.
Adamawa
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for Local Government workers in the state.
Emmanuel Fashe, the NLC Chairperson in the state, made the appeal during May Day celebration on Thursday in Yola.
Mr Fashe also urged the government to release the promotion results of Post Primary Education Board staff in order to boost effectiveness in service delivery.
