On Monday, during the 2023 International Workers’ Day, the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, pledged to Nigerian workers that they would have access to a living wage and social and economic justice during his tenure.
Tinubu, who is a two-term former Lagos State governor, expressed his solidarity with Nigerian workers and promised to be a reliable partner in the struggle for social and economic fairness for all Nigerians.
I join the rest of the world and all compatriots to celebrate Nigerian workers on this year's International Workers’ Day. pic.twitter.com/szDpA5mn5Y
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) May 1, 2023
“I join the rest of the world and all compatriots to celebrate Nigerian workers on this year’s International Workers’ Day.
“On this special day, as your President-elect, I extend my hands of friendship to the Nigerian workers through the two central Labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC)” he said.
“In me you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people. Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you,”
In his message to Nigerian workers, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of workers in the country.
He emphasized that his plans for better conditions were outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he considers a covenant he is determined to fulfil.
He, however, urged workers to join him in the common battle against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, ethnic and religious hate, and other negative forces that undermine the stability and prosperity of Nigeria.
“In the Nigeria, I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage.
“You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.
“The days ahead will, however, demand better understanding and cooperation from all sides, because leadership will require that we take tough and hard decisions so that our people and all Nigerian workers can live more abundantly,”
Tinubu went on to highlight the importance of International Workers’ Day, describing it as a special day that honours the hard work and dedication of workers around the world. He acknowledged the significance of the day as being born out of the struggles for workers’ rights and socio-economic justice.
He emphasized that the holiday is not just a commemoration of workers’ contributions and sacrifices, but a reminder of the common battle we must wage together against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, and other negative forces that threaten the stability and prosperity of Nigeria.
“The public holiday serves both as a celebration of the rights of workers to dignity, decent wages and decent living.
“And more important, it is a testament to the critical role the labour movement plays in our march towards a stronger, united and more prosperous nation.
