Editorial: As Nigeria marks Workers’ Day, a lamentable tale of suffering and neglect

As Nigeria marks another Workers’ Day, today, May 1st, the plight of Nigerian workers remains a heart-wrenching tale of suffering, neglect, and betrayal.

Despite their tireless efforts to keep the nation’s economy afloat, workers in Nigeria have been subjected to unimaginable hardship, economic hardship, and government apathy.

The celebration of Workers’ Day has become a cruel joke, a painful reminder of the failed promises and unfulfilled dreams of a better life.

The economic hardship in Nigeria has been a long-drawn nightmare for workers.

The country’s economy has been in a state of coma, with inflation soaring, and the value of the naira plummeting. The minimum wage, a paltry N30,000 (approximately $75 dollars), is an insult to the dignity of workers, who struggle to make ends meet.

The cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving workers to bear the brunt of the economic crisis.

Basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare have become luxuries, and the majority of workers live in abject poverty.

The suffering of Nigerian workers is compounded by the government’s callous disregard for their welfare.

The government has consistently failed to honour its obligations to workers, reneging on promises to improve their working conditions, increase wages, and provide social benefits.

The social contract between the government and workers has been broken, leaving workers feeling betrayed and abandoned.

The victimisation of workers who dare to speak out against these injustices has become a standard practice.

Trade union leaders and activists who advocate for workers’ rights are often harassed, intimidated, and even arrested.

The government’s actions have created a culture of fear, where workers are reluctant to demand better working conditions and improved welfare for fear of retribution.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) is not fabricating these claims.

The organised labour in Nigeria, today, accused the federal government of dashing its hope of improved living conditions for all Nigerians.

In an interview with a reporter in Abuja, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) head of information, Comrade Benson Upah, lamented the challenges faced by workers, stating that life in the country had “worsened considerably” with no foreseeable improvement.

He said that the recent 250 percent increase in electricity tariffs had compounded the difficulties, leaving workers to grapple with an “ugly situation.”

The NLC also took a strong stance against the triple policies of government’s removal of fuel subsidy, the flotation of the naira, and the hike in electricity tariffs and raised suspicions that these detrimental policies may be influenced by external forces and are not in the best interest of the nation or its people.

Comrade Upah urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider these policies and retrace his steps and address the plight of workers.

Upah said, “Life has been very horrible for workers in the past one year, we wish it could be better, there is no silver lining in the sky yet. The purchasing power of the workers has been eroded beyond recognition.

“To be specific, the ill-advised removal of fuel subsidy, and the floating of the naira, and the hike in electricity tariffs, these three major policies have considerably reduced the value of the naira.

“For senior workers who earn from N80,000 and above. Their salary can only buy a bag of rice, we are not talking about beans, I’m not talking about Garri and other necessities of life like transportation, education and healthcare.

“So, what has happened to the Nigerian is that he has been demobilised in the name of democracy.”

The situation is further exacerbated by the government’s misplaced priorities.

Billions of naira are squandered on frivolous projects, while workers’ salaries and pensions remain unpaid.

The government’s obsession with grandiose projects has diverted attention away from the pressing needs of workers, leaving them to suffer in silence.

The consequences of this neglect are far-reaching and devastating.

Workers are forced to live in squalid conditions, with many unable to afford decent housing, healthcare, or education for their children.

The psychological toll of this suffering is immense, with workers struggling to maintain their dignity and self-worth in the face of unrelenting hardship.

As we mark Workers’ Day, Diaspora Digital Media is stressing that it is essential to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices of Nigerian workers.

Government at all levels must take immediate actions to address the pressing issues faced by workers, including the payment of outstanding salaries and pensions, improvement of working conditions, and provision of social benefits.

The time for rhetoric and empty promises is over. Nigerian workers demand action, not words.

They deserve a living wage, decent working conditions, and social protection.

The government must prioritise their welfare and honour its obligations to the working class.

It is time for change, time for the government to acknowledge the dignity and worth of Nigerian workers and take concrete steps to alleviate their suffering.

Only then can we celebrate Workers’ Day with true joy and gratitude.

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