The 2025 International Workers’ Day celebrations in Nigeria came at a time of acute national distress. Nigeria is currently grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis, heightened insecurity, and political uncertainty. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several state governors delivered May Day messages that were received with mixed feelings by labour unions and Nigerian workers alike. While the speeches were replete with rhetoric and promises, the real implications for the average Nigerian worker remain uncertain.
President Tinubu’s May Day Speech: Content and Critique
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2025 May Day rally in Abuja, acknowledged the severe hardship Nigerians are facing. His speech centered on the economic reforms embarked upon by his administration, with emphasis on their long-term benefits despite current pain.
Key Points from the President’s Speech:
- Acknowledgement of Hardship:
- Tinubu admitted that some of his administration’s reforms, especially the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, have deepened hardship for the average Nigerian.
- However, he defended these decisions as being essential for correcting long-standing economic distortions.
- Minimum Wage Review:
- He cited the inauguration of a 37-member Tripartite Committee to deliberate and recommend a new national minimum wage.
- The President emphasized the concept of a “living wage” rather than merely a minimum wage, indicating an aspiration to match earnings with the rising cost of living.
- Nevertheless, no firm date or commitment was given regarding when the new wage structure would take effect.
- Job Creation and Economic Reforms:
- Tinubu highlighted various ongoing economic initiatives aimed at job creation, including support for agriculture, digital economy development, and infrastructure projects.
- However, critics argue that these programs have yet to deliver measurable results for ordinary Nigerians.
- Security Challenges:
- The President acknowledged the impact of insecurity—banditry, terrorism, kidnapping—on national productivity.
- He assured that his administration is intensifying efforts to restore peace and ensure safety across the country.
State Governors’ Addresses: Varied Commitments, Common Themes
Across various states, governors echoed similar sentiments: praise for workers’ resilience, promises of wage reviews, and acknowledgments of the country’s difficulties.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised a review of the minimum wage in the state, citing the need to cushion the impact of inflation on workers.
- Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appreciated civil servants for their contributions and hinted at improving welfare, but like many of his peers, stopped short of concrete announcements.
- Rivers and Edo State Governors, amid ongoing political transitions, also acknowledged economic strain but made no major commitments beyond routine salary payments.
While the tone of these speeches was generally supportive, most governors failed to address specific timelines for implementing new wage structures or directly confronting local governance failures contributing to hardship.
Labour Unions’ Reaction: Discontent and Distrust
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) responded with stern criticism:
- High Cost of Living: Labour leaders decried the disconnect between the government’s reforms and the daily realities of workers, whose purchasing power has been decimated by inflation and the naira’s depreciation.
- Unimplemented Agreements: The unions reminded the federal government of previous agreements, including wage adjustments and palliative distributions, that remain unmet or partially fulfilled.
- Threats of Industrial Action: There were renewed threats of nationwide strikes if the government fails to address workers’ demands swiftly.
According to the unions, workers in Nigeria now earn salaries that cannot meet even the most basic needs—housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and education.
Implications for the Average Nigerian Worker
- Economic Vulnerability:
- The removal of fuel subsidies has led to skyrocketing transport costs, affecting every sector.
- The free-floating exchange rate has drastically weakened the naira, pushing food and commodity prices beyond the reach of the average worker.
- Energy costs (electricity tariffs and fuel prices) have increased, further squeezing household budgets.
- Stagnant Wages Amid Soaring Inflation:
- The last national minimum wage of ₦30,000 (approximately $20/month) is grossly insufficient in today’s economy.
- Despite talk of a wage review, the delay in implementation prolongs suffering.
- Insecurity’s Impact on Workers:
- Insecurity has disrupted farming, trade, and free movement, leading to food shortages and job losses.
- Many workers, especially in rural areas, face constant threats to their safety, affecting productivity and mental health.
- Distrust in Governance:
- Many workers view government speeches as rhetorical and symbolic rather than transformative.
- The lack of follow-through on promised reforms has eroded trust in government institutions.
Political and Social Implications
The tone of the May Day speeches reveals a government caught between reformist ambitions and the pressure of immediate humanitarian needs. While President Tinubu seeks to reposition the economy structurally, the human cost of these reforms could become politically unsustainable if workers continue to suffer without relief.
Failure to act swiftly and convincingly could provoke:
- Escalation in Labour Unrest
When workers feel ignored or betrayed by their leaders—especially after repeated promises with no follow-through—they tend to resort to collective action. If the federal and state governments continue to delay meaningful interventions (like a new minimum wage or cost-of-living relief), the likelihood of strikes, protests, and mass demonstrations will increase.
- What this could look like: Nationwide shutdowns of public institutions, disruptions in healthcare, education, electricity, and transportation services.
- Implications: Prolonged strikes weaken the economy, disrupt services to the public, and tarnish the government’s domestic and international image.
- Decreased Productivity
When workers are overburdened and underpaid, their morale drops—often leading to disengagement, absenteeism, or poor performance. A well-fed, secure, and motivated workforce is essential for national productivity.
- What this means for Nigeria:
- Civil servants may slow down work or become unresponsive.
- Teachers may strike or deliver subpar instruction.
- Health workers may abandon patients or emigrate.
- Private-sector workers may mentally check out or switch to informal hustles for survival.
- Consequences:
- Deterioration in public service delivery.
- Sluggish implementation of government projects.
- A rise in economic informality and inefficiency.
- Increased Migration and Brain Drain
As wages stagnate and the cost of living skyrockets, skilled Nigerian professionals—doctors, engineers, IT specialists, university lecturers, and even artisans—are increasingly looking abroad for better opportunities.
- Current trend: “Japa” syndrome continues to empty the country of its young, educated population.
- If inaction continues:
- The exodus will accelerate.
- The country will lose critical talent required for nation-building.
- Educational institutions and hospitals will be left with a talent vacuum.
- A Legitimacy Crisis for the Administration
Repeated failure to meet the basic expectations of citizens can lead to a legitimacy crisis, where the public no longer believes the government represents their interests or is capable of governance.
- Indicators:
- Widespread public disillusionment.
- Increased voter apathy and loss of faith in elections.
- Heightened popularity of opposition movements or populist leaders.
- Rise in social unrest, protests, or even violence in extreme cases.
- Implication for President Tinubu’s government:
- Loss of political capital.
- Potential disruption of reform agendas.
- Increased domestic and international criticism.
Conclusion
President Tinubu and state governors’ 2025 May Day speeches paint a picture of acknowledgment without action. While recognizing the struggles of Nigerian workers, the speeches lacked definitive timelines, quantifiable commitments, or emergency interventions to immediately improve conditions.
For the average Nigerian worker, these speeches offered little hope in the short term. Until government actions match its rhetoric—with policies that directly improve wages, cut inflation, restore security, and provide relief—labour discontent will persist.
