The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN), has urged employers of labour to provide protection and enhanced wages for Nigerian workers.
Osigwe made this known in a statement in Lagos to commemorate 2025 Workers Day.
Workers Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, is celebrated on May 1 and is a public holiday in over 80 countries.
It is meant to celebrate the contributions of workers, promote their rights and celebrate the labour movement.
According to Osigwe, Workers Day is a day to honour the resilience, hard work and sacrifices of Nigerian workers who remain unsung heroes of national development.
“We celebrate the vital role workers play in sectors of our national life; their dedication sustains our economy, institutions and daily lives.
“Beyond celebration, today presents an opportunity for sober reflection.
“Too many Nigerian workers still face harsh economic realities, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity and pay that falls far short of the rising cost of living.
“It is, therefore, not enough to offer praise without concrete action. They deserve a living wage and many more benefits,” he said .
According to him, Nigerian workers give their best to the country and, therefore, deserve a living wage.
” A living wage is not a privilege, it is a constitutional and legal entitlement of workers.
“We also urge employers, both in the public and private sectors, to imbibe good labour practices, ensure safety in workplaces, and create environments where workers can thrive without fear of exploitation, intimidation or discrimination,” he said.