Buffeted by staggering food inflation, rising cost of living, biting fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply and widespread insecurity, Nigerian workers have said they have scant reason to celebrate May 1 fondly known as Workers’ Day.
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The Federal Government has declared today a work free day to commemorate the workers’ day.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity and inclusivity in the workplace.
“In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remained steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“Let me reaffirm the President’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices.
He also acknowledged policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.
However, the workers have expressed sadness and dismay over the deteriorating socio-economic situation of the nation, which has further worsened their condition of living in the past one year.
They described the last one year as a turbulent period dogged by policy summersaults and economic woes.
“And as fuel scarcity and long queues persist, commuters in several cities across the country have witnessed a hike in the cost of transportation, and many are stranded.”
According to them, the situation presents more days of uncertainties and frustration, thus urgently calling for the Federal Government’s intervention.
National Deputy President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Okon, in an interview with newsmen, said Nigerian workers had been depressed and in bondage in the past one year as their purchasing power had been completely eroded.
Okon, who doubles as the National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), said: “I think the socio-economic challenges have put Nigerian workers in bondage, in the sense that their purchasing power is weak, and it has also given Nigerian workers low morale, and the psychological effect is that it has not given Nigerian workers the impetus to put in their best, because they are battling with how to overcome the economic stress vis-a-vis family stress and extended family stress, and that is not best enough for any economy that wants to get out of the woods.
“So, it is a situation that is very worrisome because Nigerian workers are supposed to be agile with good expectations, a good package and good welfare scheme. But, the reverse is the case.
“It has been very turbulent in the sense that they have been denied their right of belonging to the society. Since they do not have what it takes to combat the economic challenges, especially with the removal of the fuel subsidy. That fuel subsidy removal is the problem, and because of that, it has affected the workers, and because it has affected the workers, it has also affected their purchasing power. It has also affected them psychologically. So, within the last one year, it has been a very turbulent situation for Nigerian workers.
“Not only Nigerian workers, but also their families, because, whatever happens in the world of work, has a spillover effect, positively or negatively, on the larger family. And that is what Nigerian workers have gone through for the past one year since the removal of the first subsidy. In fact, since the coming of this administration,” he said.
Also speaking at the pre-May Day lecture in Abuja as part of activities to mark the day, President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said there was hardly anyone in the country currently that is not aware of the hardship the people are facing.
Represented by the Deputy President, Titus Amba, he said: “As leaders of Nigerian workers, it is pertinent for us to speak and continually draw attention to the plights of our members. We reaffirm our determination to champion the rights of the workers and people of this country.”
Ajaero said the theme of this year’s worker’s day celebration emphasised that behind every policy decision, every labour struggle and negotiation, there are workers and families whose lives are deeply imparted.
“Peoples First, these two words encapsulate the essence of our struggle and the core of our vision for a just and equitable society,” he said.
Similarly, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo insisted the welfare and interest of the people should be paramount in drafting any government policy.
“Today marks another turning point in the history of the trade union movement in this country. When we look at the theme of the 2024 Worker’s Day celebration, which is ‘People First,’ that is very significant because we need to put the people first. We need to put the workers first and when you put the people first, you put your family first. This is what is called a first line charge.
“Today, we have experienced various policy mismatches and summersaults, where the people’s welfare are put at the bottom of the radar.
“A case in point is the increase in electricity tariff without following due process and without consultation with various stakeholders, who would have been involved in taking critical decisions that affect the lives of workers.”
Osifo pointed out that labour plays a very critical role in every productive venture, adding that to neglect the workers, is to ignore the significant role such an important arm of production plays.
He blamed the anti-labour practices in the country on obsolete labour laws, while expressing hope that such laws would soon be reviewed.
Also, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) congratulated the Nigerian workers for their courage and tenacity in wading through the economic situation in the country.
The party, while hailing the workers for coping with the economic hardship, said they deserved better for a reasonable and higher standard of living.
The statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged the efforts of the government on the minimum wage for workers, but lamented that many states were yet to implement the policy across the country.
The statement further bemoaned the challenge of low wages, job insecurity and inclement work environment, among other issues, that confront the Nigerian workers.
The National Publicity Secretary stated that rising inflation and its negative effects on the masses and workers was a worrisome matter and a great concern to the National Working Committee of the party led by Dr. Ahmed Aduji.
This, he said, was against the spirit and letters of the theme for this year’s May Day celebration, which is “Social Justice and Decent Work for All.”
The NNPP has, therefore, called on the governments at all levels to cut the cost of governance and prioritise workers’ welfare as a cardinal concern in their policies and programmes.
The party urged defaulting states to pay the minimum wage, gratuity arrears and create better working conditions for the workers.
Non-remittance of contributions into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) by both public and private sector employers was also highlighted by the NNPP as a major concern that needed to be addressed in the interest of the Nigerian workers.
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