Labour leaders across the nation have have expressed concern that rising insecurity and deepening poverty are eroding workers’ welfare and threatening productivity, preparatory to this year’s May Day celebration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress raised the concerns at a pre-May Day lecture in Abuja, where they said worsening economic conditions are shrinking access to decent work across the country.
Speaking at the event, NLC President Joe Ajaero said insecurity and poverty have become major barriers to employment and economic stability, leaving millions trapped below the poverty line.
“If we remove insecurity today, you see that there will be food everywhere,” Ajaero said. “People will go back to their farms … and be free to move from one place to another to sell.”
He added that nearly 90% of jobs in Nigeria are now in the informal sector, where workers lack pensions, job security and safe conditions.
“The issue of decent jobs is not about getting employment from the government. It’s all about what you take home,” he said.
TUC President Festus Osifo called for stronger collaboration among workers, government and employers, stressing that decent work is “non-negotiable.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, security and strategic studies scholar, Comrade Kunle Olawunmi, said poverty and insecurity directly undermine governance and national stability.
“Nigeria cannot build a productive economy on frightened communities, hungry households, underpaid workers and displaced citizens,” he said.
In Oyo State, officials struck a more upbeat tone, highlighting welfare measures introduced by Gov. Seyi Makinde, including regular salary payments and a 13th-month bonus.
Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade said the state has maintained prompt salary payments and expanded its workforce, describing the local NLC as “forward-looking.”
State NLC Chairman Kayode Martins added that structured gratuity payments and wage increases have eased hardship for retirees and workers.
The Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria urged the federal government to expand social protection for informal workers, who it said make up more than 90% of the workforce.
The group said many workers lack access to healthcare, pensions and safety nets, despite contributing significantly to the economy.
“What is there to celebrate when the majority of Nigerian workers cannot access basic healthcare … and receive no support when injured on the job?” the group said.
As Nigeria marks Workers’ Day, labour leaders say the central question remains whether policy action will match repeated warnings about insecurity, poverty and the future of work.
Meanwhile, a leadership crisis has split the NLC in Edo State, with rival factions divided over May Day activities.
Caretaker chairman Monday Igbafen said his faction would boycott celebrations, urging workers to “stay indoors to mourn” what he described as worsening labour conditions.
“The labour environment in Edo today cannot and must not inspire celebration,” Igbafen said, dismissing a planned rally as illegitimate.
But a rival group led by Bernard Egwakide rejected the boycott, insisting workers would gather at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
“Edo workers are going out … to mark May Day,” Egwakide said, adding that the state government supports the event.
