Workers’ Day: CISLAC Demands Reforms, Greater Worker Commitment, Improved Welfare

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) yesterday called for urgent reforms to improve the welfare and protection of Nigerian workers as the country marked the Workers’ Day.

In a statement, the executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the celebration came at a time when millions of Nigerians were facing worsening economic hardship, rising living costs, and policies that have deepened inequality.

The organisation noted that many workers who serve the country continued to live under difficult conditions and struggle to meet basic needs.

CISLAC paid special tribute to Nigeria’s uniformed personnel, including members of the military and paramilitary services, both serving and retired, acknowledging their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s security and stability.

The organisation also recognised the contributions of civil servants, private sector employees, and development workers whose efforts sustain governance, economic growth, and service delivery across the country.

It commended the resilience and patriotic contributions of development workers who continue to support improved governance, accountability, and better livelihoods for Nigerians despite challenging conditions.

It attributed the current challenges to structural weaknesses, including unfair and poorly managed public service systems, where subsidies and welfare mechanisms do not benefit the average worker.

CISLAC added that, unlike in other countries where workers benefit from state support, Nigeria’s system has left many vulnerable.

It also criticised what it described as short-term policy approaches by contemporary leaders, warning that the failure to prioritise sustainable welfare policies has pushed the nation’s workforce into persistent poverty.

According to CISLAC, the dignity of labour has been undermined, with many workers and union members facing neglect, weak protections, and policies that fail to support them. It stressed that improved welfare during and after service is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

The organisation called on governments at all levels to ensure timely payment of salaries, regular promotions, and adequate investment in training and skills development for workers, noting that continuous capacity building remains largely inadequate in Nigeria.

CISLAC also urged Nigerian workers to demonstrate greater commitment and dedication to their duties by shunning absenteeism, laziness, and the practice of ghost workers, while upholding professionalism, punctuality, and accountability in service delivery.

The organisation emphasised that a fair and equitable system is essential for national stability, economic growth, and social justice.

It used the occasion to recognise the resilience, sacrifice, and dedication of all categories of Nigerian workers and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that protect workers and promote a more just and inclusive society.