Nigerian workers marked this year’s May Day in a somber mood as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) lamented the worsening economic conditions that have left many workers impoverished. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the past year as “excruciating and painful,” citing anti-worker policies and a decline in living standards under the current administration.
In a strongly worded statement, Ajaero accused the ruling class of enforcing exploitative economic policies that favor the wealthy while leaving workers struggling. “We have been impoverished and dehumanized,” he said, emphasizing that Nigerian workers now face a stark divide between the “haves and the have-nots.”
The NLC highlighted several challenges, including the poor implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, which many state governments and even federal agencies have failed to fully adopt. Ajaero warned that the labor movement would intensify efforts to ensure compliance while pushing for a broader wage review to reflect current economic realities.
“The ruling elite have ganged up against workers,” he said. “They promote impoverishment, exploitation, and slavish wages.” The NLC also criticized the influence of global financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF, accusing them of dictating policies that harm Nigerian workers.
Despite the challenges, Ajaero urged workers to remain united, recalling past victories in labor struggles. “Our power comes from the unity of the exploited,” he said, calling for collective action to demand fair wages and better working conditions.
The May Day commemoration comes amid rising inflation, unemployment, and a weakening currency, which have eroded workers’ purchasing power. The NLC vowed to resist further economic policies that worsen living conditions, signaling potential labor unrest if the government fails to address workers’ demands.
Meanwhile, state chapters of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) echoed these concerns, with Ekiti labor leaders declaring the current minimum wage “useless” due to soaring living costs. As workers nationwide reflect on their struggles, the NLC’s message is clear: without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s labor force faces continued hardship.
