NASFAT SALUTES AND CELEBRATES THE WORKERS OF NIGERIA AND OTHER NATIONS
The strongest middle class the world has ever known was not built overnight. It was forged by men and women who believed that fulfilling the promise of Nigeria meant more than mere optimism—it required labouring by day, working through the night, and proving that their future was worth fighting for. On Workers’ Day, NASFAT celebrates the grit and resilience of Nigerian workers and their families, and calls on the government to recommit to building a society where all workers are granted the rights and opportunities they rightly deserve.
Nigeria began marking Workers’ Day in the late 19th century, but it was officially recognised as a public holiday in 1980 by the People’s Redemption Party in Kano State. It became a national holiday on 1st May 1981, when industrial workers in cities across the country united to honour their contribution to the nation. Thousands marched without pay, setting in motion a workers’ movement that continues to inspire generations. With clarity and persistence, these trade union pioneers—and those who followed their path—secured benefits we now consider fundamental: minimum wage, overtime pay, and collective bargaining rights. Their efforts paved the way for health insurance and retirement programmes, ensuring a lasting legacy that we must always strive to uphold.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in in May 2023, Nigeria faced one of the most severe economic challenges in recent memory. Yet, through the resolve of our workforce—among the most hardworking in the world—we have begun laying a stronger foundation for economic stability. Though many households still experience hardship, what is required now is empathetic, responsible political leadership that truly seeks to improve the lives of the people.
The government must prioritise the well-being of Nigerians, ensuring that all members of the workforce are treated fairly and compensated appropriately for their efforts. This includes implementing policies that guarantee a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, updating health and safety regulations, and collaborating with state and local leaders to increase access to paid sick and family leave. It is also vital to protect and grow the middle class through apprenticeships and skills development, to strengthen retirement security, and to promote inclusive workplaces that welcome veterans, persons with disabilities, and all individuals regardless of gender or identity.
We must continue working towards pay equity, support the right to unionise, and remove barriers that prevent people from succeeding simply because of who they are. In doing so, we move closer to a fair and globally competitive economy for all Nigerian workers.
On Workers’ Day, we are reminded that employment is about more than a paycheque. It empowers us to care for our loved ones, save for the future, contribute to our communities, and nurture dreams for our children. While much remains to be done to ensure every worker enjoys dignity and respect, today we reaffirm our commitment to unity and meaningful change. With collective resolve, we can achieve new heights—for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
Long live Nigeria.
Long live NASFAT and her members.
Long live workers across the world.
May the peace and blessings of Allah continue to be our shield always.
Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, FCS
President, NASFAT.
May 1, 2025.
