Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerian workers that their sacrifices, resilience, and contributions to national development will not be overlooked, reaffirming its commitment to fair wages, improved welfare, and decent working conditions nationwide.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, gave the assurance on Friday during the 2026 May Day celebration in Abuja.
The event, themed “Insecurity, Poverty, Bane of Decent Work,”convened labour unions, employers’ groups, international organisations, and government officials, all of whom called for strengthened collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the workforce.
Addressing participants, Dingyadi described Nigerian workers as the backbone of national growth and productivity.
“Without labour, there can be no progress, productivity, or sustainable national development. Nigerian workers remain the driving force behind the nation’s growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
He commended workers across various sectors for their continued commitment despite rising living costs, economic pressures, and persistent insecurity in parts of the country.
According to the minister, insecurity and poverty continue to undermine productivity, workplace stability, and citizens’ welfare. However, he noted that the Federal Government is implementing targeted policies to address these challenges through economic reforms, job creation, and enhanced social protection measures.
Dingyadi stated that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on national security, food security, youth empowerment, and economic diversification as key pillars of sustainable growth.
He further explained that the recently implemented national minimum wage represents only the initial phase of broader wage reforms currently under consideration.
The minister emphasised that fair remuneration is critical to productivity, industrial harmony, and national development.
“Decent work must never be compromised at any level,” he added.
Dingyadi also highlighted ongoing government investments in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure aimed at stimulating economic activity and generating employment opportunities.
He noted that labour reforms in progress include comprehensive reviews of employment policies, labour laws, and occupational safety frameworks to align with global standards and evolving workplace realities.
He also pledged improvements in workplace safety, stressing that productivity cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and insecurity.
“Your sacrifices are seen, your voices are heard, and your contributions are valued,” the minister told workers.
Also speaking, Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara, Workers’ Rights Specialist at the International Labour Organization in Nigeria, described the theme of the celebration as both timely and critical to advancing workers’ welfare and social justice.
She emphasised that stronger collaboration among government, labour unions, and development partners would be essential to promoting decent work, fair labour practices, and robust social protection systems.
Chinyangarara further called for stronger institutions and more inclusive policies to safeguard workers in both the formal and informal sectors.
In his remarks, Mr. Adewale Smart-Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, urged greater synergy among government, employers, and workers to foster industrial harmony and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that business sustainability and workers’ welfare must be pursued concurrently through dialogue, shared responsibility, and policy consistency.
The May Day celebration featured solidarity marches, cultural displays, and renewed calls by labour unions for enhanced welfare packages, improved security, and stronger economic policies to mitigate the impact of inflation on workers.
