By IDNN Labour & Economy Desk
📍 Published: Friday, May 2, 2025
🇳🇬 On Workers’ Day, Tinubu Acknowledges Suffering — But Labour Fires Back
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the 2025 Workers’ Day to admit that Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship. But the country’s top labour unions weren’t moved.
In a speech delivered on his behalf at Eagle Square, Tinubu cited the cost of living crisis, insecurity, and rising joblessness as challenges his administration was working to fix.
“I am aware of the peculiarities of the economic hardship Nigerians face — rising living costs, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and the loss of livelihoods,” Tinubu said through Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
But within hours, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) released a scathing 20-point list of demands — accusing the government of lip service while workers starve.
Labour’s Message: Enough Is Enough
In their joint May Day address, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Festus Osifo held nothing back.
“We are not okay. Nigerians are hungry. The suffering is unbearable. This government must act,” they said.
The labour centres are demanding:
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A new minimum wage indexed to inflation
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Restoration of gratuity payments
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Reversal of telecom tariffs from 50% to 35%
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Transparent PAYE taxation
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An end to genocidal killings nationwide
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Salary arrears and pension clearance across states
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A stop to “dehumanizing” verification exercises for retirees
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Extension of the 65-year retirement age to all public servants
Democracy at Risk, Labour Warns
Beyond economic demands, the unions warned of creeping authoritarianism and the shrinking of Nigeria’s civic space.
“Reclaiming the civic space is non-negotiable,” said Ajaero.
“We cannot allow the erosion of democratic rights and freedoms under the guise of reform.”
They described the Rivers State political crisis, attacks on union freedoms, and suppression of protests as red flags that democracy is under siege.
📉 ‘Juju Economics’: A Broken Economy?
Labour’s address painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s economic realities. According to them:
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Inflation is above 33% — food inflation at over 40%
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Real wages have collapsed
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The new ₦70,000 minimum wage is now worth less than ₦15,000 in 2019 terms
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Over 115 million Nigerians live in poverty
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Youth unemployment is above 40%
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Over 60 multinational companies have exited Nigeria since 2023
“Whatsoever statistics or numbers that do not reflect the people’s wellbeing is sheer juju,” Ajaero declared.
They slammed the government’s reliance on IMF/World Bank economic models, citing Argentina’s current collapse as a warning sign.
🏭 Job Creation or Job Destruction?
The unions also raised concerns over declining domestic production and rising energy costs. They blamed policy failures for job losses in manufacturing and agriculture — and warned that more shutdowns are imminent.
“How can you talk about job creation when the factories are shutting down and electricity tariffs are killing SMEs?” asked Osifo.
They called for massive investment in local industries and power reforms to drive inclusive growth.
The Final Warning
The speech ended with a blunt ultimatum: fix the system or face a nationwide confrontation.
“Comrades, the time to act is now. If we do not address these systemic failures, we are heading toward national collapse.”
The unions reaffirmed their right to protest and organize, and hinted at a potential strike or mass action if their demands are ignored.
📩 For response, comment, or rebuttal: labourdesk@idnn.com.ng
