President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural May Day message dedicated to workers nationwide, promised improved living and working conditions for all Nigerians of working age.
The message was conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu salutes Nigerian workers on May Day.’
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of all workers, highlighting various relief programs, including wage awards and an imminent minimum wage review.
He emphasized the importance of fair wages and enhanced welfare for the custodians of the nation’s machinery, stating that workers deserve not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.
The President assured Nigerian workers of his dedication to improving their welfare, enhancing their working conditions, and providing the necessary tools for their success.
Tinubu’s remarks come amidst a cost of living crisis believed to be the aftermath of hardline economic reforms pursued by his administration.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu implemented the discontinuance of subsidies on petrol as approved by the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
He argued that this move would save the government money for massive infrastructural expansion. Additionally, Tinubu unified the foreign exchange rates to curb currency arbitrage and other forex malpractices.
However, these measures led to collateral instability in the value of the Naira and increased hardship for Nigerians as food prices soared.
During a high-level panel session at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu defended the removal of the petrol subsidy as a necessary action “for my country not to go bankrupt” and to “reset the economy towards growth.”
On May Day, President Tinubu saluted Nigerian workers for their fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation, evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.
He commended workers across all spheres, from clerical officers to security personnel, teachers, doctors, and all other workers contributing to the nation’s progress.
Tinubu concluded by wishing Nigerian workers a Happy May Day celebration.
The Workers’ Day celebration in Nigeria originated from the People’s Redemption Party government in Kaduna and Kano, which in 1980 adopted May 1 as a public holiday for the commemoration of International Workers Day.
Subsequently, in 1981, the Federal Government under Shehu Shagari declared May 1 as a national holiday to celebrate International Workers’ Day.
