The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Workers’ Day, describing them as the real drivers of the economic success of the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa lauded the resilience, dedication and sacrifices of the workers who continue to remain the bedrock of the economy and the embodiment of hard work and productivity. He said the strides Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of its workforce.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu for his recent endeavours to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. The measures were timely interventions that demonstrated the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workers, he said.

“On this Labour Day, I salute the men and women whose work is the backbone of our society. “Your sacrifices and contributions are invaluable, they inspire us to keep building a Lagos that is driven by fairness, innovation and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.

Obasa further assured the workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly is committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to stay strong and hopeful, promising that their efforts would continue to shape a better future for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Prince Adewole Adebayo, a strident opposition figure, veteran public affairs analyst and ex-presidential aspirant has urged Nigerian leaders to put the welfare and dignity of workers first saying that labour must be paid with opportunity and not be reduced to a fight for mere survival.

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Adewole Adebayo, in a goodwill message on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, lauded the resilience of Nigerian workers and their contributions which he described as the bedrock of national development.

“We celebrate today the hands that build, the minds that innovate and the spirit that will not give up,” Adebayo said, adding that labour remains the backbone of the economy of the nation through productivity.

But he warned that policies and leadership failures were eroding the value of work, with many Nigerians struggling despite their efforts.

He said leadership must ensure that diligence was translated into meaningful opportunities, better standards of living and economic security.

Adebayo said the real wealth of any nation was not its natural resources but the wellbeing of its workforce.

He called on policy makers to adopt people-centred economic strategies that allow workers to have a voice, protect their rights and open avenues for growth and prosperity.

The SDP chieftain’s message comes at a time when concerns about wages, inflation and job security continue to dominate national discourse, with organised labour groups demanding reforms to improve workers’ conditions across the country.

Reiterating his position on governance, Adebayo stressed the importance of accountable leadership, putting citizens at the centre of decision making, stressing that no nation can progress when its workers are left behind.

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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerian workers on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, praising their strength, dedication and love for the country, despite the challenges they face at work.
The message was personally signed by him and released through his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh on Friday.

“On this auspicious occasion of Workers’ Day 2026, I, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate and chairman of the National Assembly, on behalf of the National Assembly, join millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to commend and congratulate the resilient, industrious and patriotic Nigerian workers whose sweat and sacrifice continue to sustain the heartbeat of our nation,” Akpabio said in the statement.

He highlighted the role of workers in different industries.

Today we salute you, the teachers who shape our tomorrow. The farmers who feed our nation. The doctors and nurses who heal our land. The artisans, traders, civil servants, security personnel and private sector workers whose daily toil build Nigeria. “You are the real heroes of our democracy and the engine of our economy,” he said.

Akpabio admitted that workers are facing challenges including the rising cost of living and pressures at work. “The Senate is committed to improving the welfare of the workers through better laws and policies,” he added.

“The 10th National Assembly understands the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands. I can assure you that the Senate is committed to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms and policies that create jobs and protect the dignity of labor.

“This commitment is reflected in recent measures such as the new National Minimum Wage Act and welfare packages,” he said.

Akpabio also urged employers to give better care to their workers, noting that a well treated workforce is key to national growth.

On this May Day celebration, I urge public and private sector employers to prioritize the interests of workers. National productivity and prosperity rest on a motivated work force.

He thanked the labour unions for their cooperation and said he would continue to work with them.

“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute your courage, I celebrate your contributions and I pledge that we will not relent until every Nigerian worker can look to the future with hope, dignity and confidence.

He concluded the message wishing all Nigerians happy Workers’ Day.

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The Labour Party on Friday, May 1, congratulated Nigerian workers on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, urging authorities to step up efforts at improving the welfare of workers in the face of increasing economic challenges.

This was disclosed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, in a statement issued in Abuja.

The party described Workers’ Day as a very important event, adding that the party’s identity since its registration in 2003 has been very closely tied to the struggles and aspirations of Nigerian workers.

It highlighted the importance of attaching importance to policy that improved worker status and protected their interests consistently.

The party did acknowledge that the current administration had taken some recent steps, such as raising the minimum wage, but argued that these measures were insufficient to address the current economic realities.

“We use this opportunity to appeal to those in authority to step up efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers,” said Asogwa.

“We commend the steps taken by the current administration to soften the harsh realities confronting workers, such as the recent increase in the minimum wage. But we stress that much more needs to be done, particularly in light of continuing inflationary pressures.

The party also commended organised labour especially the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for their consistent advocacy and commitment on the rights of workers.

The statement read, “LP commends the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and their affiliate unions for their unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and the protection of the rights of workers.

The Labour Party reiterated its pledge to support for continued policies that promote fair wages and are consistent with global standards as set by the International Labour Organisation.

“We tell the Nigerian workers that the Labour Party is solidly behind them and will not abandon the collective struggle for good governance that will guarantee fair wages and in line with the ideals and standards of the International Labour Organisation,” Asogwa said.

Looking ahead the party urged workers to remain committed to its cause and was optimistic about what it called the eventual victory of the people.

“Aluta continua, victoria ascerta,” the statement said.

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Workers in states where the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 was either not implemented at all or only partially implemented have been instructed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to observe May Day in 2026 on the streets of their states as a protest against the state governments’ refusal to follow the act’s provisions.

Additionally, it forbade the impacted employees from having any form of indoor reception and threatened to punish members who failed to comply.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the congress expressed disapproval with the condition of affairs when the government ignores the misery of workers.

The following is a portion of the NLC statement that was made available to reporters in Abuja on Friday:

“The national leadership of Congress extends its brotherly greetings to you! May Day, the international day of the working class, has traditionally been a time for serious contemplation of the status of workers’ rights and a celebration of our shared efforts to consistently increase the wealth of nations.

Unfortunately, a number of state governments have persisted in breaking the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by refusing to fully implement its essential provisions, such as the extension of coverage to local government employees, primary school teachers, and health workers, as well as consequential adjustments for senior workers and regular and timely payment of the new wage.

This is an attack on the dignity of Nigerian workers as well as a violation of the law.

As a result, the following instructions are given to all State Councils in states where complete implementation has not yet been attained:

1. No official or indoor receptions Government buildings, banquet halls, or any other enclosed space used by defaulting state governments or in cooperation with them are not permitted to conduct May Day festivities. This suspends official receptions.

2. The Main Event: Street Processions By 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026, all employees must gather at designated labor homes, union secretariats, or public squares. From there, you will march in orderly, peaceful, and determined processions through the streets of your individual state capitals.

Routes and Final Destination: Every State Council must create a route that ends at the State Government House, the State House of Assembly, or the Head of Service’s office.

At the conclusion, a written statement of demands must be submitted.

All State Councils that are impacted by this regulation must abide by it. Any chairperson who disobeys this instruction or replaces it with a passive celebration in a state of default will be disciplined right away. Reports are anticipated right away.

“Comrades, it was not through prayer that the 2024 Minimum Wage Act was passed.

It was the result of hardship. It would be a betrayal of that tradition to spend May Day indoors while our rights are violated. So let’s go back to the streets!

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