Workers Are Our Greatest Resource, Incoming Administrations Must Prioritize Their Welfare — NBA President, Maikyau

*Tasks Incoming Administrations To Prioritize Workers Welfare

On this year’s International Workers’ Day, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, has emphasized the need for incoming administrations to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers. Maikyau acknowledged the resilience and steadfastness of Nigerian workers who keep the wheels of the country turning despite national challenges. He also commended the self-employed, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs whose resourcefulness creates employment opportunities.

Maikyau noted that deliberate steps must be taken to safeguard the socio-economic rights of workers, and called on the incoming administrations at the federal and state government levels to focus on policies that promote inclusiveness, protect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs), grow the middle class, and prioritize infrastructural development. He urged the government to avoid subjecting Nigerians to the harsh repercussions of hasty and untested policies and called for increased accountability on subsidy spendings.

In a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, he said, “Now more than ever before, deliberate steps must be taken to safeguard the socioeconomic rights of workers. At the inaugural NBA State of the Nation Dialogue held on the 30 January 2023, which dwelt on the thematic areas of Security, Economy and the Judiciary, Discussants identified economic recession as a major factor in the insecurity, brain-drain, high levels of unemployment and underdevelopment. These symptoms can only be treated by addressing the root causes, implementing workerfriendly policies as opposed to superficial interventions.”

Mr Maikyau also noted that the economic recession is a major factor in the country’s insecurity, brain-drain, high levels of unemployment, and underdevelopment. He urged the government to address the root causes of these problems by implementing worker-friendly policies that promote economic growth, protect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs), and prioritize infrastructural development.

The misappropriation and circumvention of monies earmarked for subsidies, especially petrol subsidy, must be treated as economic sabotage, and those found culpable must be prosecuted, he emphasized.

Within the legal profession, Maikyau noted that the NBA is working to resolve the perennial challenge of employee remuneration through the recommendations of the NBA Remuneration Committee. He also urged colleagues to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the NBA Employment Bureau, which serves as an interface in bridging the supply gap of legal personnel in both the public and private sectors.

Maikyau concluded his message by stating that the NBA will continue to champion the continuous professional development of its members, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills to thrive not only in Africa but also in the global market. He wished all workers in Nigeria and abroad, particularly members of the legal profession, a Happy Workers’ Day.