INTERNATIONAL MAY DAY CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA | STAKE HOLDERS SPEAK

International Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is a global celebration that is dedicated to the success and rights of workers. It is marked on 1st May annually and is observed in various different countries with diverse traditions, protests, events, and parades. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for labour rights, fair wages, and better working conditions for everyone.

Historically, the labour day movement began in Chicago, the United States, on 4th May, when a peaceful strike demanding an eight-hour workday turned into a tragedy. A bomb was thrown during the protest, leading to the deaths of several police officers and workers. In response to this Haymarket incident, labour unions around the world began to call for a day to recognise the importance of workers’ rights. The idea for an international workers’ day was proposed by a socialist group in 1890 and many countries started celebrating May Day to work for the right of labourers, improve labour laws, and better working conditions. Over the years, International Labour Day has become a symbol of strength, unity, and demand for justice for workers.

Across the globe Labour Day is observed with parades, protests, and events that focus on critical issues affecting the workers. These issues include supporting fair wages, ensuring safe working place, promoting equal rights, and upholding workplace justice. The day also highlights the importance of workers’ unions and the need for solidarity among workers to fight for better conditions and rights. These actions help Labour Day serve as a powerful reminder of the struggles and fair treatment in the workplace.

NLC KEY POINTS

Here are the key points from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) speech at the 2025 May Day Celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja:

Economic Hardship & Workers' Welfare: The NLC emphasized the severe economic challenges Nigerian workers face, including inflation, poor wages, and job insecurity. They called for urgent government intervention to improve workers' welfare.

Minimum Wage & Fair Compensation: The NLC demanded an immediate review of the minimum wage, arguing that the current wage structure does not reflect the rising cost of living. They urged the government to implement fair wages and better working conditions.

Social Justice & Civic Space: The union stressed the importance of reclaiming civic space, ensuring that workers have the freedom to organize, advocate, and participate in decision-making. They warned against policies that silence workers' voices.

Government Accountability & Policy Reforms: The NLC criticized the government for failing to fulfill past promises and urged immediate action on labour-related policies. They demanded transparent governance, fair taxation, and an end to economic exclusion.

Call for Unity & Action: The speech encouraged workers to stand together in demanding their rights, emphasizing that labour unions must remain strong and united to push for meaningful change.

The speech reflected frustration over workers' conditions but also hope that collective action could lead to improvements. Would you like more details on any specific point?

 

TUC KEY POINTS

Certainly! Here are the key points from the speech of the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the 2025 International May Day Celebration at Eagle Square:

Workers' Welfare & Economic Hardship: The TUC President highlighted the severe economic challenges Nigerian workers face, including poor wages, inflation, and job insecurity. He emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to improve workers' welfare.

Minimum Wage & Labour Rights: The speech called for a review of the minimum wage, arguing that the current wage structure does not reflect the rising cost of living. The TUC demanded fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger labour protections.

Social Justice & Civic Space: The TUC stressed the importance of reclaiming civic space, ensuring that workers have the freedom to organize, advocate, and participate in decision-making. The union warned against policies that silence workers' voices.

Government Accountability: The TUC criticized the government for failing to fulfill past promises and urged immediate action on labour-related policies. The union demanded transparent governance, fair taxation, and an end to economic exclusion.

Call for Unity & Action: The speech encouraged workers to stand together in demanding their rights, emphasizing that labour unions must remain strong and united to push for meaningful change.

The speech reflected frustration over workers' conditions but also hope that collective action could lead to improvements. Would you like more details on any specific point?

During Nigeria's May Day celebrations on May 1, 2025, state governors across the country delivered speeches highlighting their administrations' commitments to workers' welfare, addressing economic challenges, and outlining future plans.  Here's a summary of key submissions from various governors:

Ekiti State – Governor Biodun Oyebanji

Governor Oyebanji commended the resilience and dedication of Ekiti workers, emphasizing their pivotal role in the state's development.  His administration has recruited over 1,500 primary school teachers and 930 secondary school teachers, approved career progression for teachers to grade level 16, and disbursed over ₦400 million in housing and vehicle loans to over 1,400 staff.  He reaffirmed his commitment to transparent engagement with labor unions and policies that promote workers' welfare.

Taraba State – Governor Agbu Kefas

Governor Kefas acknowledged the challenges faced by workers, particularly regarding their welfare.  He assured that his administration prioritizes worker satisfaction in its "Moving Forward" agenda and urged workers to uphold professionalism and excellence in service delivery.

Kebbi State – Governor Nasir Idris

Governor Idris directed the establishment of a committee to determine an affordable and meaningful minimum wage for civil servants.  He highlighted the prompt payment of salaries, recent salary increases for health workers, and plans to employ 2,000 teachers to enhance the quality of education.

Kogi State – Governor Usman Ododo

Governor Ododo commended the courage and resilience of state workers, acknowledging their contributions to the civil service and the state's economy.  He affirmed the government's commitment to implementing policies that promote the rights of workers and ensure dignity in the workplace.

Ebonyi State – Governor Francis Nwifuru

Governor Nwifuru announced an additional ₦10,000 monthly increment to the salaries of state workers, marking the second such increase since assuming office.  This move underscores his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants in the state.

Zamfara State – Governor Dauda Lawal

Governor Lawal reaffirmed the government's focus on actively involving workers in the governance process and pledged to implement the six-point agenda of the administration's Rescue Mission.  He highlighted efforts to clear inherited salary backlogs, ensure prompt payment of current salaries, and extend additional welfare packages.  Plans for digitizing government activities and reforming civil service practices to improve efficiency and accountability were also outlined.

Ondo State – Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured workers that his administration would continue to promote industrial peace and operate with open and transparent governance, with the welfare of workers as a major priority.  He emphasized the importance of the event amidst preparations for the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Akwa Ibom State – Governor Umo Eno

Governor Eno declared the first and last Friday of every month as "Farm Days" to encourage agricultural productivity.  He highlighted the disbursement of over ₦16.1 billion in gratuities and the approval of an additional ₦2 billion for payment of gratuities.  The governor also announced investments in affordable housing units for workers and the recruitment of health workers for primary health centers.

Enugu State – Governor Peter Mbah

Governor Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, was commended by organized labor for his worker-friendly policies and programs.  The workers described him as a "promise keeper" and "the most worker-friendly governor in Nigeria."  The governor renewed his commitment to workers' welfare, emphasizing efforts to create wealth, functional systems, and institutions that reduce burdens on workers.

Abia State – Governor Alex Otti

Abia to compensate civil servants arbitrarily dismissed by previous administrations. Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, has stated that the state government is in discussion with civil servants, who were arbitrarily dismissed from service, by the past government for reason of where they originally hailed from, not minding their immense contributions to the growth of the State. The plan according to the Governor is to properly compensate them for the grave injustice done them and ultimately make things right with them.

These executive submissions reflect the governors' recognition of the critical role of workers in state development and their commitment to improving welfare, addressing economic challenges, and fostering industrial harmony.

Below are the key points from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's speech at the 2025 May Day Celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja:

Commitment to Workers' Welfare: Tinubu reassured Nigerian workers that his administration is aware of their challenges and is committed to addressing economic hardships through policies that promote job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic stability.

Recognition of Workers' Contributions: He described Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation, praising their resilience and dedication in nation-building.

Economic Challenges & Government Response: Tinubu acknowledged the rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, and unemployment but assured workers that his government is intentional in implementing solutions to improve their conditions2.

Reclaiming Civic Space: He emphasized the importance of protecting democratic freedoms, ensuring that workers have the right to organize, advocate, and participate in shaping policies.

Global Labour Initiatives: Tinubu announced that Nigeria is set to join the International Labour Organisation’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, aligning with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Call for Unity & Fairness: He urged workers to reaffirm their commitment to fairness, equity, and justice, emphasizing that every worker deserves opportunities to thrive.

The speech reflected acknowledgment of workers' struggles while promising government action to improve their welfare.