From Our Correspondent
As Nigerians celebrate May Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised workers better days ahead, saying “days of worrying are over”.
Tinubu appealed to trade unions to keep using the power of labour movement for the greater good of the nation. And to foster harmony and cooperation.
TheNewsZenith reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented the President on Wednesday where he delivered a speech at the 2024 May Day celebration in Abuja.
“I stand before you to tell a fundamental truth. You, the workers of our great nation, are its very backbone. But I’m not here merely to echo familiar praises of the labour force,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the understanding, patience, commitment and support from trade unions, throughout the implementation of the government’s policies and programmes.
“Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board.
“So, I call upon everyone, as I have consistently done, to join hands in shaping the destiny of our nation towards greatness.
“Our allegiance and patriotism are the bedrock upon which our beloved country thrives.
“The success of our government’s policies and programmes hinges on the willingness of workers. You are the backbone of our workforce.”
The President praised the theme of this year’s May Day celebration, which is “People First”. He added that the theme is both instructive and commendable.
According to him, the theme resonates with the government’s agenda. It also demonstrated that working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation.
President Tinubu expressed regret that he took power “at a time many nations, including Nigeria, were experiencing daunting socio-political and developmental challenges”.
“You will recall that on January 30th, 2024, the Federal Government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
“Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.
“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting.
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“We shall resolve this soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.”
The President said he was open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.
“We cannot achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity.
“We can only realise our shared vision for national growth and development in an atmosphere of industrial harmony. And peaceful coexistence in every segment of our country.
“The dividends we have promised the nation, and which you work tirelessly to ensure, can only be achieved when we all unite for progress.
“On this momentous day, I urge you and all our fellow citizens to place your trust in this administration.
“The seeds of greatness planted in our nation are beginning to bear fruit. And they promise a future filled with hope and bound by prosperity,” Tinubu said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, remarked that this May Day was the first celebration under President Tinubu.
“It is a reminder of the great sacrifices made by the working class toward the enthronement of dignity of labour which are key to national growth and development.
“President Tinubu believes that every worker deserves to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination and oppression.
“The government is creating workplaces that offer respect, job security and inclusivity for all,” Onyejeocha said.
She assured labour that the Tinubu administration “empathizes with the plight of workers and will do all it can to address these issues,” urging the organized labour to maintain social dialogue in resolving disputes.”
Representative of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adenike Ajala, reiterated the commitment of the organisation to the concerns of the Nigerian worker.
Ajala pledged NECA’s resolve to always uphold the principle of collective bargaining in all engagements regarding the well-being of workers.
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