As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate workers’ day, the organised labour has threatened to shut down Nigeria over some economic issues, but President Bola Tinubu has assured them to show understanding, patience, commitment and support to policies.
The celebration of May 1 as Workers’ Day is an opportunity for the unions to vent their anger and grievances as well as make demands on governments to spark up welfare of workers.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have seized the opportunity of the Day to kick against the introduction of increased and discriminatory electricity tariff.
The unions appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Power Sector operators, to reverse the increase in electricity tariff within one week.
President of the unions, Mr Joe Ajaero and Mr Fetus Osifo made the call on Wednesday in a joint speeches to mark the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abuja.
The duo expressed dissatisfaction over epileptic power situation in the country which is affecting economic growth of the country.
According to them, it’s imperative that any nation incapable of effectively and efficiently managing its energy resources, faces certain ruin.
“One of the pivotal factors constraining our nation is our glaring incompetence in managing this sector for the collective welfare of our citizens.
“Power, regardless of its source, remains paramount in Kickstarting any economy, while oil and gas are indispensable for robust energy success in every country. “
They said it was absolutely critical for the government to collaborate with the people to establish frameworks that ensure energy works for all Nigerian.
According to the duo, the plight of the power sector remains unchanged over a decade after privatisation of the sector.
“The reasons are glaringly evident. As long as those who sold the companies remain the buyers, Nigerians will continue to face formidable challenges in the power sector.
” It is unethical to force Nigerians to pay higher tariff for non-existent electricity.
“Estimated billing is an extortion and a day light robbery against Nigerians, ” the duo said. ”
In his address, President Bola Tinubu applauded the workers for their contributions to ongoing efforts by the government to save the nation’s economy, describing them as “an indispensable component of the nation’s engine,” in the bid to build a just and progressive society.
The President who gave the assurance at a colourful ceremony to mark the 2024 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
He said it is a fundamental truth that the workers are Nigeria’s backbone, even as he acknowledged and appreciated their hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to the nation’s stability and prosperity.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented him at the event, President Tinubu commended the choice of the theme for this year’s May Day celebration, “People First,” saying it did not only resonate with his administration’s agenda, but also demonstrates that “the working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation.”
Delivering the President’s address titled, “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers”, VP Shettima stated: “Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised.
“Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.
“I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation. “Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board”.
The 2024 Workers Day was marked with high hopes, as President Tinubu told the workers that their days of worrying were over, just as he hinted at his administration’s readiness to consider a national living wage that will address their living condition, instead of a minimum wage, if suggested by the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage set up on January 30, 2024, by the federal government.
“The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.
“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.”
Noting that he assumed office at a time Nigeria, like many other nations, were grappling with what he described as “daunting socio-political and developmental challenges”, President Tinubu maintained that his government has been “resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.
“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges,” he added.
The President however observed that it would be impossible to “achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity.”
He pointed out that Nigeria’s “shared vision for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment” of the country.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reminded the workers that it was the first May Day under President Tinubu, pointing out that it is a reminder “of the great sacrifices made by the working class toward the enthronement of dignity of labour which are key to national growth and development.”
According to the Minister, while President Tinubu “believes that every worker deserves to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination, and oppression,” the government is “creating workplaces that offer respect, job security and inclusivity for all.”
Onyejeocha assured labour that the Tinubu administration “empathizes with the plight of workers and will do all it can to address these issues,” urging the organized labour “to maintain social dialogue in resolving disputes.”
In his goodwill message, the Minister of FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, pledged the commitment of the FCT administration under his watch to the needs and welfare of workers in the territory, noting that they are the backbone of the public service in the area.
He said the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission is a testament to the administration’s obligation to the welfare of workers in the public service, assuring them that they will be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
On her part, the representative of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Comrade Adenike Ajala, reiterated the commitment of the organisation to the concerns of the Nigerian worker, pledging NECA’s resolve to always uphold the principle of collective bargaining in all engagements regarding the wellbeing of workers.
In a joint speech, presidents of Nigeria’s two major labour unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), maintained that prioritizing the welfare of workers and pursuing policies that improve productivity are critical for national development.
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo said, “Leadership is about the people. There is no other measure for success in government except its impact on the lives of the people.”
They urged the government to swiftly conclude negotiations on a national minimum wage that reflects economic realities for Nigerian workers.
