Sam Philip
The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Lagos State was marked by a colourful display of solidarity by all labour unions, defying the rains to rekindle the spirit of their struggle for better living conditions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the workers’ May Day parade held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan with the theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”.
The event witnessed an unprecedented turnout by various union groups under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), which filled the 10,000-capacity venue to the brim.
Each workers’ association held a march-past across the pavilion, displaying their banners and chanting solidarity jingles. They acknowledged cheers from the Governor and other dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Sanwo-Olu reassured the workers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and dignity, noting that Lagos remained a sub national with best remuneration packages for workers.
The Governor said improving on workers’ welfare had continued to be the cornerstone of his Government’s development agenda, pointing out that his administration had remained faithful in ensuring the regular and timely payment of salaries and pensions despite global economic challenges.
He said: “Lagos State will continue to take the lead in the public service sector in the country. I’m delighted to come back and report that, all through the negotiations that led to the new minimum wage, Lagos kept and fulfilled the promises made to workers. This State is the highest paying entity in the federation.
“We have ensured that workers are not left behind in our economic planning and that they feel the impact of governance not only in policies but in their everyday realities. Aside promotion, we have also expanded training and capacity development through dedicated institutions to equip our workforce with new skills and digital competencies.”
Sanwo-Olu called on workers to be patient with the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government, noting that the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been yielding results that would further improve workers’ lives.
The Governor said President Tinubu had shown leadership in the challenging period, describing Tinubu as a “compassionate leader” who had the interest of workers at heart.
He said: “The President’s reforms are beginning to bear fruits, given the growth we have witnessed in the agricultural sector which has led to reduction in food prices. Today, let us celebrate not only with songs and salutes, but with a renewed spirit of solidarity. Let us recommit to building a country where every hand finds purpose and every labour finds reward.”
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, said the Sanwo-Olu administration had improved service conditions across board, stressing that the commemoration of May Day should draw attention to deeper issues transcending wages and welfare.
For a job to be truly meaningful, the Commissioner said it must be done in an environment where workers would feel safe and empowered. He hailed Gov. Sanwo-Olu for being compassionate about workers’ welfare, especially the approval of the new minimum wage.
“The Sanwo-Olu Administration graciously dusted its books and implemented a new salary structure, which raised the minimum wage to N85,000. This is the highest paid in the Federation with the consequential adjustments toeing the same range, making Lagos the highest wage paying State in the country,” Ayantayo said.
Lagos NLC chairman, Comrade Funmi Sessi, conveyed the State workers’ appreciation to the Governor for implementing the new salary scale, but appealed to Sanwo-Olu to further review the wages to N100,000 to enable workers cope with the rising cost of living.
She said: “Our passionate plea stems from the fact that, our take home pay is being eaten up by the rising cost of living. Inflation and upward cost of goods and services have renewed our demand for more incentives. Workers produce the wealth; better reward would enhance our productivity, which will further generate more internally generated revenue (IGR) for the State.”
TUC chairman, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, on the other hand, called for reduction in electricity tariffs, noting that new pricing measures had crippled households and small businesses, while also putting pressure on workers.
“We implore Mr. Governor to explore investments in local generation and distribution of electricity. The recent tariff hike, coupled with the injustice of Band A, B, and C classifications, has crippled households and small businesses. Workers are groaning under the weight of bills they cannot afford. This is not the dream we strive for.”
Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, noted the biting economic hardship should enable workers reflect on the need to stay undaunted in the face of the challenges and not to lose their relevance.
Agoro said the Governor has been running a listening and responsive Government, and remained resolute and committed to continually provide a safe, secure and conducive working environment for all workers to thrive.
