May Day: Tinubu pledges improved working conditions and fair salaries for workers

All Nigerians of working age will have better living and working conditions, according to President Bola Tinubu, who said on Wednesday that “custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare.”

In his first May Day speech, Tinubu committed to this promise for all workers in the country.

The President’s words were echoed by Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, in a statement he signed on Wednesday under the heading “President Tinubu salutes Nigerian workers on May Day.”

Ngelale claims that the President has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of all workers, citing the salary award and the upcoming minimum wage review, among other relief initiatives.

The statement read, “President Tinubu strongly believes that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare and that a labourer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.

“The President assures Nigerian workers of his dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed.”

His comments coincide with a crisis in living standards that is thought to be the result of the administration’s strict economic measures.

On May 29, 2023, Tinubu took office and carried out the removal of gasoline subsidies, which had been authorized by Muhammadu Buhari’s previous administration.

He said that the government may use the money saved to fund significant infrastructure development. In order to prevent currency arbitrage and other forex frauds, among other things, Tinubu also unified the foreign exchange rates.

But these actions caused unintended instability in the Naira’s value, which made life extremely difficult for Nigerians as food prices skyrocketed.

Speaking on Sunday, April 28, at a high-level panel discussion at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu defended the removal of the gasoline subsidy saying it is a “necessary action for my country not to go bankrupt” and to “reset the economy towards growth.”