The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) extends warm solidarity to all Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day. We salute the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s workforce, especially amid the harsh economic conditions that have worsened under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
CHRICED acknowledges the growing financial burden on workers, many of whom now take on multiple jobs just to survive. Inflation has surged from 21% at the start of this administration to 24.23%, yet the Federal Government has failed to match this economic reality with meaningful improvements in workers’ welfare. It is unacceptable that the national minimum wage remains a paltry N70,000, despite increased government revenues from crude oil sales, expanded taxation, and savings from fuel subsidy removal. These revenue increases have also boosted state allocations through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), leaving no excuse for states and the federal government to continue neglecting workers.
We are particularly alarmed by reports such as the recent protest by workers in Oyo State, highlighting the Federal Government’s failure to pay wage awards for over five months. Additionally, despite the passage of the new minimum wage law on July 29, 2024, more than 20 states have yet to revise their salary structures in line with the law. This delay reflects a disturbing level of disregard for the well-being and dignity of Nigerian workers.
It is deeply troubling that while billions of naira are earmarked for allowances and perks for political elites across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, civil servants receive little to no support—even during important festivities like Christmas or Eid. Under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, CHRICED is concerned that the current administration has failed to offer Nigerian workers any meaningful hope or pathway to improved livelihoods.
On this Workers’ Day, we call on the Federal and State Governments to recognize workers as essential partners in national development. It is not enough to simply pay the minimum wage; governments must ensure that workers receive a living wage—a wage aligned with the real cost of living and adjusted regularly to reflect inflation and other macroeconomic conditions. Doing so will not only uplift the lives of workers but also boost national productivity and stability.
We further urge the implementation of comprehensive social programs that address workers’ needs in housing, healthcare, and agriculture:
Housing: CHRICED decries the inefficacy of the National Housing Fund (NHF) and the exclusionary practices of primary mortgage banks. Despite statutory deductions, many workers are unable to access housing. Governments must roll out accessible, low-cost housing schemes tailored to workers’ incomes.
Healthcare: The National and State Health Insurance Schemes must be restructured to provide broader coverage for essential health services. CHRICED continues to receive complaints from workers being denied critical care due to inadequate benefit packages.
Agriculture: Governments should establish cooperative agricultural schemes for workers. Such initiatives should enable workers, through small contributions, to access essential food items annually. This will support household food security and help mitigate the effects of economic hardship.
CHRICED calls on all tiers of government to act with urgency, empathy, and accountability in addressing these pressing issues. The welfare of Nigerian workers must be elevated from rhetoric to reality.