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Hungry Wages, Silenced Voices: Nigerian Workers Mark May Day in Anguish, Not Celebration

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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.

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

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