The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the state government to increase the minimum wage for workers from N85,000 to N225,000.

The Chairperson of the council, Funmi Sessi, made the demand on Friday during the International Workers’ Day held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Sessi said the proposed increase had become necessary due to rising inflation and the high cost of living in the state.

She noted that while the current wage approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was commendable, it was no longer sufficient to meet workers’ needs.

“Given the current economic hardship and the high cost of living in Lagos, this amount is no longer sufficient.

“We, therefore, respectfully appeal to the state government to review the minimum wage to N225,000 in the interest of workers and industrial harmony,” the chairperson said.

She also raised concerns over insecurity and poverty, describing them as major challenges affecting workers’ productivity and welfare.

According to her, many workers face risks such as kidnapping and displacement, while the rising cost of goods and services has made it difficult to meet basic needs.

“The current inflation rate of 15.38 per cent has worsened the suffering of our people.

“Prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities have risen significantly, making workers more vulnerable,” the labour leader stated.

Sessi urged both the federal and Lagos State governments to strengthen security measures and implement policies that would improve workers’ welfare.

She, however, commended the state government for ongoing infrastructure projects and worker-focused initiatives.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, who represented the governor, alongside other government officials and labour leaders.

NAN

Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the administration’s policies were aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers in the state.

Makinde said this on Friday during the 2026 May Day celebration held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, the governor described as apt the theme for the 2026 May Day celebration; ‘Insecurity and Poverty: Threats to a Conducive Work Environment’.

According to him, the theme paints workers with the harsh reality of the world of work.

The governor said that insecurity and poverty were twin burdens that drain productivity and destroy morale.

He said that no civil servant could deliver excellence where fear and uncertainty prevail.

Makinde declared that “insecurity disrupts livelihoods, delays projects, and discourages investment while poverty, on its part, strips labour of dignity.

“Poverty fuels desperation, opens the door to corruption, and weakens commitment to service,” the governor said.

Makinde further said that his administration did not wait but acted decisively to break the cycle, having understood the consequences of insecurity and poverty.

He cited the establishment and strengthening of the Amotekun Security Network as a community-based security initiative to complement conventional security agencies.

“Beyond this, we have consistently supported security agencies with logistics, patrol vehicles, communication equipment, and other logistics,” he stated.

Makinde further cited improved inter-agency coordination among the Police, Amotekun, the Armed Forces, and other services, saying it has boosted intelligence sharing and rapid response.

The governor said that his administration believes that “a secure Oyo state is a productive Oyo state”.

Makinde further said that regular and prompt salary, pension payments, the implementation of the national minimum wage, clearing of inherited promotion arrears/ leave bonuses, and the recent N10, 000 monthly transport bonuses are testimonies of the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

He urged workers to remain committed, disciplined, innovative, and to reject corruption and embrace excellence.

The governor said that his administration would continue to build a conducive work environment through policies and collective effort.

In their remarks, the duo of the state chairmen of Trade Union Congress(TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Mr Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro and Mr Martins Kayode, respectively, urged the government to do more in tackling insecurity and poverty in the nation.

Olabiyi-Agoro noted that Nigerian workers were not finding it easy in the face of increasing fuel prices and uncontrollable inflation.

Kayode commended the state government for responding appropriately to all issues relating to the welfare of workers in the state.

He urged the state government to make the recent three-month transport bonus allowance of N10,000 a permanent one, so as to reduce workers’ hardship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration featured various activities, including a march-past by affiliates of the TUC and NLC.

(NAN)

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The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Friday assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly is aware of their economic challenges and remains committed to improving their welfare through legislative measures.

The former Akwa Ibom State governor gave the assurance in a congratulatory message to mark the 2026 International Workers’ Day, issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

Akpabio acknowledged the difficulties faced by workers and pledged the Senate’s continued intervention through legislation aimed at improving living conditions and workplace standards.

He said, “The 10th National Assembly recognises the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands.

“I assure you that the Senate remains unwavering in its commitment to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, and policies that expand job creation and protect the dignity of labour.

“The passage of the new National Minimum Wage Act and the implementation of workers’ welfare packages are testaments to this commitment.”

His message comes against the backdrop of mounting economic pressures on Nigerian workers, including rising inflation, the high cost of living, and concerns over wage sustainability, which have continued to dominate national discourse.

The Senate President also called on employers across sectors to prioritise workers’ welfare, stressing the link between productivity and improved working conditions.

“Today, we celebrate you—the teachers who mould our future, the farmers who feed our nation, the doctors and nurses who heal our land, the artisans, traders, civil servants, security personnel, and private sector employees whose daily toil builds Nigeria.

“You are the true heroes of our democracy and the engine of our economy.

“To organised labour, I commend your constructive engagements and patriotism. The Senate will continue to partner with the NLC, TUC and all affiliates to ensure that the voice of the Nigerian worker is heard and respected in the chambers of policy and law,” he stated.