In Nigeria, May 1st is more than a mere commemoration of workers’ contributions and sacrifices to the nation’s well-being. It stands as a celebration of workers’ rights to dignity, fair wages, and decent living conditions.
Moreover, it serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role played by the labour movement in advancing the journey towards a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation.
President Bola Tinubu, upon assuming office, pledged to implement a new national minimum wage for workers in 2024 as he described the existing national minimum wage as “not enough”.
He said that the decision does not only make good economic sense but “because it is the morally and politically correct thing to do”. The goal is to ensure that the economic aspirations and material well-being of people whose income is below the poverty threshold, vulnerable, and working people are not neglected.
According to Investopedia, a living wage refers to a theoretical income level that allows individuals or families to afford adequate shelter, food, and other necessities.
Currently, Nigeria operates the National Minimum Wage structure approved in 2019, which is N30,000 per month for federal and state workers. However, the living wage promised has not been implemented, nor has the wage increased.
Despite economic challenges, this wage level remains unchanged, the existing minimum wage of N30,000 falls short of meeting the basic needs of many workers, and it remains insufficient to provide a decent standard of living.
Poverty affects almost half of Nigerians, including those who are employed. Workers struggle to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living. Monthly salaries often fail to cover necessities, exacerbating economic hardship for workers and their families.
Citizens should be the focal point of every government policy. The government at all levels in the country should prioritise the welfare of workers in whatever policy decisions they are taking.
Nigeria has witnessed several policy inconsistencies and abrupt changes, often at the expense of the people’s well-being.
Therefore, the government should significantly raise the minimum wage for workers to enhance their living standards and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Also, it’s a time to acknowledge workers’ contributions and reaffirm commitments to labour rights and social justice. Building on the legacy of past struggles, the nation must continue to invest in education, skills development, and infrastructure to create opportunities for employment and economic advancement.
With visionary leadership and collective action, Nigeria can chart a path towards a brighter future where every worker thrives and contributes to the nation’s prosperity.
As Nigeria commemorates Workers’ Day, it becomes essential to examine the future of work in light of the rapidly evolving work landscape. Technological advancements, globalisation, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic are reshaping the traditional paradigms of employment and labour.
The pandemic catalysed a seismic shift towards remote work, which has proven to be a viable option for many Nigerian workers, offering flexibility, cost savings, and reduced commute times. Remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, challenging traditional notions of work-life balance.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of the modern world, let us uphold the principles of fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all workers, ensuring that their contributions continue to shape the nation’s destiny.