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Hungry Wages, Silenced Voices: Nigerian Workers Mark May Day in Anguish, Not Celebration
Hungry Wages, Silenced Voices: Nigerian Workers Mark May Day in Anguish, Not Celebration
As Nigerian workers join millions worldwide to mark International Workers’ Day today, 1 May 2025, the air is heavy with disillusionment rather than celebration.
With the theme “Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” this year’s commemoration starkly captures the desperation of a labour force grappling with historic inflation, mass layoffs, wage stagnation, and government indifference.
Across Nigeria, workers say they are not just fighting for fair pay—they are fighting to survive.
A Minimum Wage That Feels Meaningless
Despite the federal government’s 2024 approval of a N70,000 minimum wage, most workers have yet to benefit. BudgIT data reveals that only 13 states have implemented the policy as of April 2025, while millions of public and private sector workers continue to earn below N40,000 monthly.
“I teach in a government primary school in Oyo State and still earn N33,000,” said Adewale Johnson, a father of three. “Even food prices have doubled. What do they expect us to survive on?”
His concern is echoed nationwide as workers watch their purchasing power disintegrate. In March, the National Bureau of Statistics recorded headline inflation at 33.2%, with food inflation soaring to 40.01%.
A February 2025 survey by SBM Intelligence found that 78% of workers earning N70,000 or less could not meet basic monthly needs such as food and transportation.
“Even where the minimum wage is paid, it is no longer enough,” said Comrade Oyinkansola Olasanoye, former Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). “This is not just about salaries—it is about dignity, justice, and survival.”
Olasanoye decried the crumbling public services that force workers to spend their meagre earnings on private education, healthcare, and housing.
“A raise means nothing when workers must fend for themselves in every area of life,” she said. “It’s a vicious cycle that deepens poverty.”
She also warned that democratic freedoms were under threat: “Union leaders are blackmailed, voices are silenced, and civic space is shrinking. Reclaiming it is non-negotiable.”
Mass Layoffs and Job Insecurity
In addition to poor wages, mass retrenchments have further destabilized the workforce. A joint report by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC revealed that over 500,000 formal jobs were lost in 2024 due to economic downturns, currency instability, and falling consumer demand.
Sectors worst hit include manufacturing, oil and gas, banking, fintech, and logistics.
“In 2024, we had 120 staff. Today, we are down to 35,” said Chinyere Ofor, an HR manager at a Lagos-based manufacturing firm. “Operating costs have tripled.”
NLC Lagos Chairperson Funmi Sessi painted an even bleaker picture: “Accommodation, transportation, healthcare, feeding—everything is getting worse. And the government is not doing enough to intervene.”
Sessi accused successive governments of failing Nigerian workers and warned the current administration not to repeat the cycle of neglect. “The suffering is too much. Nigerians are groaning. Workers are tired. Leaders must act—now.”
She also called on citizens to play their part: “We need to stop exploiting one another. If you sell something for triple its value, you’re contributing to the hardship.”
Precarious Work and Legal Vacuum
According to the International Labour Organization’s 2024 report, more than 65% of Nigerian workers are in precarious or informal jobs with no legal protection or job security. Experts say Nigeria’s Labour Act of 2004 is outdated and poorly enforced.
Dr. Kehinde Omotosho, a labour rights analyst, noted, “Most companies face no consequences for violating labour laws. Workers can’t afford legal battles, and enforcement is weak.”
Only 28% of Nigerian workers have signed employment contracts, a 2023 report by the Centre for Labour Studies found, exposing millions to abuse and exploitation.
Pension Crisis Adds to Worker Despair
Even for retirees, the future remains uncertain. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) reports over N15 billion in unpaid pensions as of Q4 2024.
“I retired in 2021 and have yet to receive a single naira,” said Bashir Musa, a former local government health officer in Bauchi. “They say my file is still ‘processing’.”
The situation is even more dire in the informal sector, where over 40 million Nigerians remain excluded from formal pension schemes. PenCom’s Micro Pension Plan, launched to cover informal workers, has only enrolled 100,000 individuals by early 2025.
A Call for National Unity
Despite the grim realities, labour leaders are urging workers and citizens alike to resist despair.
“The TUC is not passive. They are strategic,” said Olasanoye. “But they need support. This is not just their fight—it’s all of ours.”
As Nigeria’s working class marks this symbolic day, one thing is clear: the cries from the shop floors, classrooms, clinics, and construction sites are no longer just for fair wages—they are a demand for justice, dignity, and a future worth working for.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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