Labour Day, observed annually on May 1, pays tribute to the unwavering spirit and contributions of workers worldwide. This day recognizes the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of individuals who dedicate their lives to earning a living and supporting their families. Labour Day serves as a reminder of the importance of worker’s rights, decent working conditions, and the need for fair compensation. It is a day to reflect on the progress made in ensuring workplace safety, benefits, and a sustainable work-life balance. Labour Day also highlights the diversity of the workforce and the invaluable contributions made by workers from all backgrounds and sectors.
The origins of May Day can be traced back to the late 19th century when labour movements advocated for better working conditions, including the establishment of an eight-hour workday plus eight-hours for recreation and rest. The celebration of workers on May 1 has thus become synonymous with the agitation of labour leaders and institutions for fair wages and better working conditions for workers.
The first May Day workers’ holiday in Nigeria was declared by the People Redemption Party (PRP) Government of Kano State in 1980 and it became a national holiday on May 1, 1981, according to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Since then, the country has continued to mark the day with national events and speeches while workers and labour unions use it as opportunity to demand fair wages and working conditions.
This agitation has been championed consistently by umbrella labour bodies and their millions of members across the country. Decades after, and despite their advocacy for better working conditions and fair wages marked by protests, strikes and clampdowns by government and employers, the wage of the average Nigeria worker whether in the public or private sector is far from ideal.
Is Labour Speaking for Workers?
Nigeria has two main labour unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Of course there are other labour unions representing different sectors including education, banking, health, oil and gas etc, however, these two are generally recognized in the country to lead conversations and negotiations with government and other employers of labour.
The NLC founded in 1973 currently boasts of over 40 affiliated unions and millions of members including doctors, teachers, journalists, and miners etc, while the TUC formed in 1942, represents industrial and service sector workers in the oil, gas, and banking sectors etc. Together, they advocate for the rights of workers, highlight issues affecting the labour force, and call for improved working conditions, fair wages, and social justice.
Critics also note that labour leaders have not always been true to their mandate and have at different times sold out on the constituencies they represent by enriching themselves at the expense of workers. Sadly, the state of the labour force today leaves much to be desired. Regardless, workers depend on these leaders to negotiate and advocate for fair wages and better working conditions that are sensitive to the prevailing economic realities and equitable across sectors. Their commitment and efforts to negotiate decent wages will be tested once again as the new minimum wage conversation progresses.
An Elusive Minimum Wage
Many Nigerians especially those in the public service are eagerly awaiting the new minimum wage. However, if the stalled negotiations between labour and government is anything to go by, that might not happen anytime soon. The TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo recently noted in an interview that the new minimum wage will not be announced on May 1 as anticipated by many.
Government, the private sector, and other employers of labour need to critically rethink the current model for engaging with labour unions to avoid another avalanche of strikes. Fair wages in Nigeria are a significant concern, as many workers struggle to earn enough to meet their basic needs and support their families. Several factors contribute to the issue of fair wages in Nigeria, including economic challenges, disparities between different sectors, corruption, poor economic and fiscal policies and inadequate enforcement of labour laws.
The minimum wage is set by the government through the National Minimum Wage Act. However, the minimum wage benchmark often falls short of providing a living wage, especially considering the high cost of living in many parts of the country. Furthermore, there are disparities in wages across different sectors, with workers in industries such as oil and gas often earning significantly more than those in sectors like agriculture or informal employment. Even in the public service, income disparities exist between ministries, departments and agencies with those in ministries earning significantly lower wages.
The informal sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the Nigerian workforce, faces peculiar challenges in terms of fair wages. Many workers in this sector lack job security, benefits, and access to social protection, making it difficult for them to negotiate fair compensation for their labour.
Efforts to address the issue of fair wages in Nigeria include advocacy by labour unions, civil society organizations, and government agencies that often focus on increasing the minimum wage, improving labour standards, and promoting collective bargaining to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their work. Despite these efforts, achieving fair wages remains a complex challenge in Nigeria, requiring comprehensive strategies that address underlying economic, social, and structural factors.
The current minimum wage was set at ₦30,000 per month by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2019 after negotiations between the government and organized labour unions. Labour leaders however have noted that this should reviewed every five years according to the Minimum Wage Act of 2019. President Bola Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast had promised to review workers salaries on April 1, 2024.
Discrepancies also exist with both the TUC and NLC agitating for different rates that have now led to a harmonised figure of ₦615,000. The TUC had proposed ₦417,000 while the NLC led by Joe Ajaero proposed ₦794,000. State Governors have called on labour leaders to be mindful of the income and revenue disparities across the country and avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
A Living Wage
There is a living wage emergency in Nigeria given the high cost of living, skyrocketing inflation and low purchasing power of the average working-class Nigerian. Hopefully, the proposed minimum wage falls through and both government and private sector employers can pay up.
The current minimum wage is an aberration. At best, it can only last the average family a couple of days for food only. We do not need a soothsayer to tell us that people are hungry and “a hungry man is an angry man”. When someone is hungry and lacks access to food, they can become irritable, frustrated, or even aggressive. So, it is important for government to prioritise and urgently approve a wage regime that meets the basic human needs of workers like food security to maintain social harmony and individual well-being.
This May Day should therefore be a distress call for the government, the private sector, and other employers of labour to do the needful and match their commitment to the prevailing economic realities of the country in determining the minimum wage for Nigerians. It is time for a living wage that workers can actually live on.
