Katherine Abayomi
On the occasion of May Day 2025, Workers Day celebration, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) salutes Nigerian workers on this year’s International Workers Day while also calling on governments across all levels to implement a living wage as a necessary step to prioritise workers’ welfare.
In a statement, CAPPA noted that workers are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, yet continue to suffer various challenges, including exploitation, unsafe work conditions, inadequate wages, all within a shrinking civic space and bleak economic environment.
Referencing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and other statistical bodies, the nongovernmental organisation noted that between 2024 and 2025, for instance, workers have been the recipients of poor government policies that have worsened inflation, eroded real incomes, and made basic goods and services increasingly unaffordable.
Worse yet, according to the World Bank, an estimated 13 million more Nigerians are projected to join the existing 129 million others living below the poverty line by the end of 2025 due to ongoing inflation.
“Ironically, it is the neo-liberal and pro-market policies imposed by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Nigeria’s government through usurious loans and grants that are the main reasons behind the socio-economic crisis facing Nigeria today,” the CAPPA statement reflected.
While acknowledging the Nigerian government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage last year, the organisation stressed that the amount still falls short of what is needed to improve workers’ purchasing power amid worsening social conditions and the cost-of-living crisis.
The statement observed that some state governments’ failure to honour their commitment to a living wage for workers compounded these problems. It also stated that, according to media reports, no fewer than 20 states have yet to implement the new minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers.
CAPPA further states that Nigerian workers, even though their labour creates the nation’s wealth, are compelled to live a life of want and misery. The recent report by Oxfam shows that the wealth of the four richest labour employers in Nigeria has increased exponentially in the last two years, whereas workers have seen a steep plunge in their purchasing power. For example, the new N70,000 national minimum wage recently won by the labour movement has the same dollar value as Nigeria’s minimum wage of N125 in the 1980s! What this means is that in an actual sense, real wages have been on a standstill for at least 4 decades, despite the increasing value and wealth the labour of Nigerian workers continues to create for the national economy.
Expressing shock that despite Nigeria’s severe unemployment and underemployment challenges, a staggering 90 per cent of expatriates are working in roles meant for Nigerians and without a work permit, according to Interior Minister, Olubunmi Ojo.
The nongovernmental organisation lamented that this situation not only continues to deprive qualified, unemployed Nigerians of the few good jobs, but also makes Nigeria a dumping ground for unqualified foreign labour.
CAPPA urged the government to seal the loopholes exploited by illegal expatriates to steal jobs reserved for Nigerians.
“This day serves as a reminder of Nigerian workers’ struggle for dignity, safety, and equity in and out of the workplace.
“Across many sectors, workers are not only demanding an adequate pay, they are also asking for the recognition of their rights to organise, the ability to voice their concerns, and safe working environments free from harassment and discrimination. ‘
“It is imperative that the government listens and act by implementing a living wage and people-centric policies that can offer workers a chance to survive,” the statement noted
CAPPA urged the government and employers of labour to take decisive actions to ensure that all workers receive fair compensation for their contributions, alongside benefits that support their well-being and development.
Furthermore, it canvassed special attention for marginalised groups, including women, youth, and informal sector workers, who often face additional barriers in the workforce.
“We urge labour unions to utilise this Workers’ Day celebration to advocate for improved working conditions and to support legislation that can alleviate the burdens of Nigerian workers.
