Workers’ Day: ADC Criticises Tinubu’s Policies, Vows Support For Small, Medium Businesses

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as inadequate policies to protect Nigerian workers, vowing to prioritise job creation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In a Workers’ Day statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said worsening economic conditions have left many Nigerians working harder but earning less, as inflation continues to erode wages.

“The African Democratic Congress stands in solidarity with millions of Nigerian workers whose daily effort sustains this country, even as the system, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to fail them,” the statement read.

The ADC noted that rising costs across key sectors have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers.

“Across Nigeria today, workers are doing more and earning less. Rising costs of food, transport, housing, and energy have eroded the value of Nigerian workers’ daily and monthly wages. For many, hard work no longer guarantees stability, dignity, or upward mobility. This is not sustainable. And it is not acceptable,” it said.

The party attributed the situation to what it called policy failures by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that insecurity and weak economic management have compounded the challenges faced by workers.

“This hardship is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of policy choices and governance failures by the APC. Insecurity remains widespread, making it difficult for farmers to produce and for businesses to operate. Job creation has stalled at a time when millions of young Nigerians are entering the workforce,” the statement added.

According to the ADC, the absence of effective measures to cushion the impact of inflation has further worsened living conditions.

“The cost of living continues to rise without any meaningful or sustained intervention to cushion its impact on workers. A government that cannot guarantee safety, create jobs, or stabilise the cost of living is a government that is failing its workers,” it said.

The party emphasised that Nigerian workers deserve fair compensation and an enabling environment that rewards productivity.

“The ADC believes that the dignity of labour must be matched by the dignity of reward. This requires an economy that is deliberately structured to create jobs, support enterprise, and ensure that productivity translates into real income for workers,” it stated.

Outlining its policy direction, the ADC said it is committed to unlocking key sectors of the economy to drive employment and economic stability.

“Our commitment is clear: to drive job creation by unlocking key sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, manufacturing, and services; to restore security as a foundation for economic activity; to stabilise the macroeconomic environment so that wages can regain their value; to reduce the cost of living by addressing inflation at its roots; and to support small and medium-sized businesses, which remain the largest employers of labour in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The party concluded by stressing that workers are demanding fairness, not handouts.

“Workers are not asking for charity. They are asking for fairness. What they have received instead is neglect,” it added.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over rising living costs and economic pressures on households, as Nigerians marked the 2026 Workers’ Day across the country.