Senate President Godswill Akpabio marked International Workers’ Day on Friday by pledging that Nigeria’s National Assembly will enact laws to improve the lives of workers, as unions and advocacy groups warned that rising inflation and economic hardship are eroding livelihoods across the country.
Speaking at a May Day event, Akpabio said the 10th National Assembly is “unwavering in its commitment” to passing legislation that guarantees a living wage, strengthens pension protections, and expands job opportunities. He praised teachers, farmers, doctors, nurses, artisans, traders, civil servants, and private sector employees as “the true heroes of democracy and the engine of our economy.”
Akpabio pointed to the passage of the new National Minimum Wage Act and welfare packages as evidence of progress, while urging employers in both the public and private sectors to prioritize worker welfare. “A motivated workforce is the foundation of national productivity,” he said.
But unions say wage adjustments alone are not enough. Labour groups highlighted the soaring cost of food, fuel, and housing, with reports of lecturers sleeping in offices because they cannot afford accommodation near campuses. The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) called for stronger social protections, housing reforms, and measures to tame inflation, warning that workers are being pushed to the brink.
Political parties also weighed in. The Labour Party urged government action to ensure resilience does not replace prosperity, while the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said workers deserve “a country that works for them.”
Nigeria’s economy has been battered by inflation, high energy costs, and currency instability, leaving many households struggling to meet basic needs. Analysts say the coming months will test whether legislative promises translate into tangible relief for the country’s 113 million‑strong workforce.
For now, Akpabio’s assurances reflect growing pressure on Nigeria’s leadership to deliver reforms that go beyond rhetoric and address the daily realities of workers across the nation.
