May 01, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government, on Friday, reassured Nigerian workers that their sacrifices, resilience and contributions to national development would not be ignored, as it reaffirmed its commitment to fair wages, improved welfare, and decent work conditions across the country.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebration held in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, declared that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained determined to strengthen labour reforms, create sustainable jobs and protect workers from the harsh effects of economic hardship and insecurity.
The 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, themed “Insecurity, Poverty, Bane of Decent Work”, drew participants from labour unions, employers’ associations, international organisations and government institutions, all united in calls for improved workers’ welfare and stronger collaboration to address the challenges confronting the labour sector.
Addressing workers at the event, Dingyadi described Nigerian workers as the backbone of national growth, productivity and sustainable development.
According to him, no nation can achieve meaningful development without the commitment and sacrifices of its workforce.
“Without labour, there can be no progress, productivity or sustainable national development. Nigerian workers remain the driving force behind the nation’s growth and shared prosperity. The strength of Nigeria lies in the resilience, dedication and sacrifices of its workers”, the minister said.
He commended workers across various sectors for remaining steadfast despite economic pressures, rising living costs and security challenges affecting different parts of the country.
Dingyadi noted that the theme of the 2026 May Day celebration reflected the realities many workers and families continued to face daily. According to him, insecurity and poverty have continued to undermine productivity, workplace stability and the overall well-being of citizens.
The minister, however, assured workers that the Federal Government was actively implementing policies and programmes to tackle those challenges through economic reforms, employment generation and improved social protection initiatives. He said the Tinubu administration remained focused on national security, food security, youth empowerment and economic diversification as critical pillars for sustainable development.
Dingyadi also assured workers that the recently implemented minimum wage represented only the beginning of broader wage reforms being considered by the Federal Government. He stressed that the administration recognised the importance of fair remuneration in promoting productivity, industrial harmony and national growth.
“Decent work must never be compromised at any level”, he declared.
The minister further disclosed that the government was making strategic investments in agriculture, technology and infrastructure to stimulate economic activities and expand employment opportunities for Nigerians.
According to him, labour reforms currently underway include the review of employment policies, labour laws and occupational safety frameworks to ensure they align with global standards and emerging workplace realities. He added that efforts were also being intensified to improve safety in workplaces and communities, noting that productivity could not thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
“Your sacrifices are seen, your voices are heard, and your contributions are valued”, Dingyadi assured workers.
The minister’s remarks were welcomed by labour stakeholders who viewed the assurances as a positive step toward strengthening trust between government and organised labour amid ongoing economic challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Workers Rights Specialist of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Nigeria, Ms Inviolata Chinyangarara, described the theme of the celebration as timely and critical to the advancement of workers’ welfare and social justice.
She said Workers’ Day remained an important opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of workers while deepening cooperation between the Federal Government, labour unions and development partners. According to her, sustained collaboration would be essential in promoting decent work, social protection and fair labour practices across the country.
Chinyangarara stressed the need for stronger institutional support and inclusive policies capable of protecting workers in both formal and informal sectors of the economy.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale Smart-Oyerinde, called for greater synergy among government, employers and workers to promote industrial harmony and sustainable economic growth. He noted that employers and workers must continue to engage constructively to ensure business sustainability while safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare.
Smart-Oyerinde emphasised that decent work and economic prosperity could only be achieved through shared responsibility, dialogue and policy consistency.
The May Day celebration featured solidarity processions, cultural performances and renewed advocacy by labour unions for improved welfare packages, enhanced security and stronger economic policies to cushion the impact of inflation and rising living costs on workers.
Across Nigeria, workers used the annual celebration to highlight the indispensable role of labour in nation-building and to demand policies that would guarantee dignity, fairness and social justice in the workplace. This year’s Workers’ Day celebration also reinforced growing consensus among labour leaders, employers and government officials on the urgent need to tackle insecurity and poverty as major threats to decent work, productivity and sustainable national development.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
