Nigerian workers joined their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the 2024 International Labour Day, also known as May Day or Workers’ Day, on May 1st, amidst fuel scarcity and soaring inflation. This year’s celebration marks the first under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Federal Government declared May 1st a public holiday to commemorate the event. In a statement, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ safety and well-being. However, labour groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NUC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have criticized the government’s policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies, which has led to a significant increase in fuel prices and a resulting hardship for Nigerians.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, fuel scarcity has persisted, resulting in long queues at filling stations nationwide. The shortage has grounded economic activities, with black marketers selling petrol at exorbitant prices. Food inflation has also continued to rise, with prices of basic commodities increasing despite a slight drop in the food inflation rate.
Labour unions have demanded a new minimum wage of N615,000 to cope with the high cost of living, as the current minimum wage of N30,000 can no longer cater to the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker. The Federal Government has inaugurated a Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, but the recommendations have yet to be implemented.
As Nigerians marked Workers’ Day, they called for a new minimum wage and an end to the fuel scarcity and high cost of living. The government had approved a salary increase of between 25% and 35% for civil servants, but labour unions continue to push for a more significant wage review to meet the contemporary economic demands of workers.