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By Lizzy Chirkpi
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026, the celebration came with a sobering reality. For millions of workers, survival has become a daily battle as a result of insecurity, rising costs, and shrinking economic value.
Across major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, workers leave their homes each day uncertain of what lies ahead. For many, the journey to and from work is fraught with danger. The menace of “one chance” robbery syndicates criminals posing as commercial drivers has become a persistent threat, with victims often robbed, assaulted, or even kidnapped.
Beyond insecurity, the economic strain is worrisome . The sharp rise in fuel prices has triggered a ripple effect, sending transportation costs soaring. For workers who depend on daily commuting, a significant portion of their already stretched income is spent just getting to work.
The question on many lips this Workers’ Day is stark, can the current minimum wage sustain a Nigerian family of four?
For context, President Bola Tinubu approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 in 2024, alongside a commitment to periodic reviews and additional allowances across sectors, including a ₦35,000 provisional wage award for federal workers and salary adjustments for judicial officers, military personnel, and civil servants. While these measures were designed to cushion the effects of subsidy removal and economic reforms, many workers argue that the reality on the ground tells a different story.
For most, the answer remains no. With food prices climbing, rent costs surging, increased fuel prices and basic utilities becoming more expensive, workers are increasingly unable to meet their daily needs. What was once considered a modest living standard has now slipped out of reach.
Healthcare, which should provide some relief, remains another burden. The country’s health insurance framework has done little to ease the financial strain on workers. In many cases, prescribed drugs are either unavailable in hospitals or too expensive to afford out-of-pocket, leaving workers vulnerable even when they seek medical help.
A civil servant, Amina Kabiru, who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja, painted a grim picture of daily survival.
She said, “I live in Suleja and I work with one of the government agencies around Wuse. I spend between N3,000 to N4,000 every day on transportation. I am a Level 8 worker, but after tax deductions, housing, and other expenses, I am left with very little to sustain me and my family for a month. Feeding is a problem. We pay heavily for electricity consumption. In fact, things are not easy for us, so the government should do something.”
Amid these challenges, voices from across the labour and political spectrum are calling attention to the plight of Nigerian workers.
Former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, Farah Dagogo in an interview with Pointblanknews.com, described workers as central to Nigeria’s survival and growth, even in the face of adversity.
He said, “Workers are the bedrock of any society. Their sacrifices, dedication, and professionalism deserve our deepest gratitude.”
Reflecting on current realities, Dagogo added, “In the face of enormous difficulties, Nigerian workers have consistently risen to the occasion. The nation, as a whole, owes a debt of gratitude to them.”
He stressed the urgency of improving workers’ welfare, noting that existing conditions are unsustainable.
“It is imperative for both public and private sector employers to prioritize workers’ well-being. Recent government policies have exposed critical flaws in key sectors and infrastructure. Now is the time for an urgent and comprehensive reform agenda. Health, education, security, and other essential sectors need immediate revitalization,” he said.
Dagogo further called for policies that reflect the sacrifices of workers, stating, “As we observe another Workers’ Day amid ongoing economic pressures, I call for improved welfare packages that reflect the dedication and sacrifices of our workforce. The safety, stability, and well-being of our workers must be safeguarded.”
Labour leaders have echoed similar concerns. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by its President, Joe Ajaero, warned that the economic realities facing workers are becoming unbearable.
An NLC statement noted, “Nigerian workers are being pushed to the brink as inflation continues to erode wages, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities of life.”
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), under the leadership of its President, Festus Osifo, emphasized the need for urgent wage reforms and stronger protections.
The union while addressing workers on Friday stated , “The current minimum wage no longer reflects economic realities. Workers cannot continue to bear the burden of policies that diminish their purchasing power and quality of life.”
Civil society voices have also weighed in. Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu highlighted on her X handle (formerly Twitter) the intersection of insecurity and economic hardship.
She said, “A worker who cannot travel safely to and from work is already operating under fear, and when you add economic hardship to that, it becomes a crisis that demands urgent attention.”
For many Nigerian workers, this year’s May Day is less about celebration and more about reflection. A moment to weigh the dignity of labour against the harshness of daily existence.
For some, the dangers are not theoretical but painfully real. John Terhemba, a worker who lives in Kuje and works with a government parastatal in the Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, recounted his ordeal “one chance” criminals.
He told Pointblanknews.com, “I was closing from work two weeks ago and I entered a car going to my area, Kuje, under Area 1 bridge, but little did I know it was a ‘one chance’ vehicle. Midway into the journey towards Airport Road, they diverted into the bush and took us hostage. I was taken to an unknown location where I was asked to call my family to pay ransom of N5 million, after which I was released after spending four days in the bush with the notorious criminals.”
Yet, despite the odds, workers continue to show resilience.
Dagogo acknowledged this enduring spirit, saying, “As an employer, I understand the importance of recognizing and supporting workers. I make it a priority to regularly review and enhance the welfare of my staff as a token of appreciation for their invaluable service.”
He also urged workers to remain hopeful and committed to the nation’s future.
He said, “I urge Nigerian workers to continue praying for the country’s prosperity and for wisdom to guide its leaders in navigating the nation’s challenges.”
As Nigeria marks another Workers’ Day, the message is clear: beyond speeches and ceremonies, the real task lies in translating appreciation into meaningful action ensuring that the nation’s workforce is not only celebrated but also protected, empowered, and sustained.