Labour leaders urge workers to reclaim civic space amid economic hardship

The Nigerian labour leaders have issued a powerful call to action, urging workers across the country to resist economic oppression, reclaim their civic space, and demand a just and equitable society
Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day rally at Eagle Square, Abuja, the presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, addressed thousands under the theme “People First,” with a striking sub-theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space amid Economic Hardship.”

“Civic Space Is Where Democracy Thrives”
“We are gathered not just to honour workers but to demand justice, equity, and dignity,” Ajaero declared. “Civic space is where our voices echo, where our actions take root, and where democracy thrives.”
The union leaders decried the shrinking of civil liberties across Nigeria, condemning the violent suppression of protests and attacks on press freedom. “From traders in the market to students in classrooms, everyone is under siege,” Osifo warned. “We are witnessing a dangerous erosion of our freedoms.”

United Resistance Against Injustice
Ajaero and Osifo called on workers and citizens to unite against elite impunity, economic hardship, and failed governance. “Now more than ever, we must rise — united and unafraid — to reclaim our nation and rewrite our destiny,” Ajaero stated. “A new Nigeria is possible, but it will not be given. We must take it.”
They also criticised government policies such as privatisation and anti-labour reforms while condemning the failure to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage across states and federal institutions.
“Let it be known: workers are not beggars,” Ajaero said firmly. “Anything short of full wage implementation is theft of labour and dignity.”

Remembering Labour’s Legacy
Osifo reminded the gathering of labour’s critical role in Nigeria’s history. “Our heroes of labour fought for independence and democracy,” he said. “Now it is our turn to fight for economic justice and civic freedom.”
The leaders also condemned the worsening state of insecurity across the country. “We are tired of burying our colleagues, our children, and our communities,” Ajaero lamented. “We call for a war-level response to end this carnage.”

“Silence is Complicity.”
The unions urged Nigerians to speak up in the face of injustice. “When we are silent, we empower the oppressors,” Osifo said. “Speak out, organise, and resist. This is our collective responsibility.”
Concluding their address, Ajaero gave a final warning: “Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We must choose between submission and survival. Let us reclaim the civic space, protect our democracy, and ensure that Nigeria works for the people — not just the powerful.”

FCT Minister Assures Resolution of Local Government Wage Crisis
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, assured that efforts are underway to resolve the salary arrears dispute between local government workers and their chairmen in the FCT.
“The FCT Administration is committed to the welfare of workers,” she said. “We take issues of salaries and allowances very seriously. The well-being of our workers and residents remains a top priority.”

Labour Minister Urges Peace and Collaboration
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, called on trade unions to work with the government to foster national development.
She appealed for peaceful dialogue in resolving disputes, stating that the Tinubu-led administration is working hard to improve the living conditions of Nigerian workers.
“While the government understands the concerns of the people, development can only be achieved through cooperation,” she said.

House of Representatives Reaffirms Support for Workers
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and productivity, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, expressed Parliament’s unwavering support for workers.
He encouraged labour unions to bring forward legislative proposals that would improve workers’ welfare. He said. “We are open to reforms that can transform workers’ lives.”

NUJ FCT Chairman Calls for Press Freedom and Workers’ Rights
Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council, commended Nigerian workers, particularly journalists, for their resilience in the face of economic difficulty.
She echoed this year’s theme, calling for the protection of civic space and stronger advocacy for press freedom.
“Workers’ Day is a time not only to celebrate labour but to recommit to defending the civic space — where truth is protected and rights are respected,” Ike said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by journalists — from job insecurity to censorship — she stressed the media’s critical role in defending democracy and amplifying the voices of the vulnerable.
“We must resist the silencing of our voices,” she urged. “Let our collective struggle bring about a fairer Nigeria where every worker has the chance to thrive.”

President Bola Tinubu, his vice president, Senate president, nor speaker of the House of Representatives was present , but they sent their representatives to attend the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja.