Workers in Nigeria observed the 2024 International Labour Day, commonly known as May Day or Workers’ Day, on Wednesday by joining their international counterparts.
Celebrated on May 1st of each year, May Day is an annual ceremony that commemorates the achievements and accomplishments of workers around the globe as well as their critical responsibilities in creating robust economies and society.
After President Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, as the most populous country in Africa, this year’s Workers’ Day is the first one under his leadership.
For this year’s Workers’ Day celebration in Nigeria, the Federal Government has already designated Wednesday, May 1, 2024, as a public holiday. Changed WordsStructural ChangesLongest Unchanged WordsRephrase
In a statement, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said, “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens,” the minister said.
President Tinubu introduced some sweeping reforms including petrol subsidy removal and unification of the foreign exchange windows when he took over last May, two decisions that have been flayed by labour groups, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NUC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The removal of petrol subsidy saw the price per litre of the premium commodity jumping from around N184 to about N600.
The move aimed at the deregulation of the oil sector has inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians with the prices of basic commodities going through the roof.High-cost-of-living protests subsequently broke out across the country, with labour unions demanding new minimum wage for workers to cope with the inflationary pressure.
The government has continued to placate citizens with the introduction of palliatives — as interim interventions — and encouraging them to endure the pain of the moment.
