MAY DAY: NLC, TUC DECRY ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, INSECURITY

 as threats to jobs, productivity

Labour leaders in Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and the shrinking availability of decent jobs, warning that the trend is undermining workers’ welfare and national productivity.

The concerns were highlighted at a pre-May Day lecture organised by labour unions in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, said insecurity and poverty remain major barriers to decent work, noting that millions of Nigerians are trapped below the poverty line while quality employment opportunities continue to decline.

According to him, addressing insecurity would significantly boost food production and economic activity, particularly in agriculture and small-scale businesses.

“If we remove insecurity today, there will be food everywhere. People will return to their farms and move freely to trade,” he said.

Ajaero also lamented that nearly 90 per cent of jobs in Nigeria are now in the informal sector, where workers lack pensions, job security, and decent working conditions. However, he commended the Federal Government for reintroducing gratuity payments for retirees.

Similarly, the President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle poverty and insecurity, stressing that decent work remains non-negotiable.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Kunle Olawunmi warned that poverty and insecurity pose direct threats to governance, productivity, and national stability.

He said Nigeria cannot build a productive economy on “frightened communities, hungry households, underpaid workers, and displaced citizens.”

Edo NLC crisis splits May Day plans

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo State is divided over plans for this year’s Workers’ Day celebration.

The faction led by Prof. Monday Igbafen announced that workers would boycott celebrations and instead observe the day in quiet reflection, citing what he described as worsening labour conditions in the state.

However, a rival faction led by Comrade Bernard Egwakide dismissed the claim and insisted that workers would participate in the May Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with the state governor expected to attend.

Oyo government praises labour relations

In Oyo State, the government commended the state chapter of the NLC for maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship with authorities.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling promises to workers, including prompt salary payments and the introduction of a 13th-month salary.

The state NLC chairman, Kayode Martins, also acknowledged improvements in workers’ welfare, including better pension and gratuity arrangements.

FIWON demands social protection for informal workers

The Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement comprehensive social protection for informal workers, who make up over 93 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce.

FIWON noted that despite contributing significantly to the economy, most informal workers lack access to pensions, healthcare, and workplace safety protections.

The group questioned the relevance of Workers’ Day celebrations for millions of Nigerians who continue to face economic hardship without adequate support.