President Bola Tinubu on Thursday thanked Nigerian workers for their patriotism, perseverance and promised to cushion economic hardship.

Tinubu who spoke through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammed Dingyadi, said this at the 2025 International Worker’s Day celebration in Abuja

The President described workers as the “backbone of our society, whose dedication and resilience drive the engine of the Nigerian economy and uphold the values of our dear nation.”

He said the government recognised the contributions of the organised labour in fostering dialogue, promoting workers’ rights, and ensuring that their voices are always heard, loud and clear.

Tinubu said the theme for this year’s May Day celebrations,”Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship” demanded a collective attention.

He added that the theme served as a stark reminder of the need to create an environment where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute most productively to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

The President said the government was well aware of the peculiarities of the economic hardship for Nigerians occasioned by struggles and challenges of workers and indeed many Nigerians.

“These ranges from a rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, loss of livelihood, and pressure to provide necessities for your families, amongst others.

“These challenges are real, critical, and demand definite solutions, which I, as your president, is poised to address,” he said

The President assured his administration’s commitment to implementing deliberate policies aimed at promoting job creation, decent jobs, poverty alleviation, economic growth and stability.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.

Speaking on the theme of the day, Tinubu underscored the need for reclaiming the civic space, “where ideas are exchanged, voices are heard, and change is born”.

“A vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential for holding leaders’ accountable, fostering innovation, and ensuring every Nigerian has a seat at the table.

“Therefore, to reclaim this space, we must prioritise transparency, inclusivity, equity, and dialogue.

“We must protect the rights of workers to organise, advocate, and participate in the decision-making process.

“We must ensure that the voices of the marginalised are amplified, not silenced, as it is through this space that we can build trust, unity, and a shared vision for a better future,” he said

The President assured that the government would continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment for all workers, in line with international best practices.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commended workers’ resilience, reiterating his administration’s support for them.

Sanwo-Olu gave the re-assurance at the 2025 Workers Day celebration with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in Midst of Economic Hardship’.

The event held on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium.

He adopted speeches presented by labour unions and re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s workforce and delivering a more robust public service.

He said the 2026 May Day celebration would take place at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere to accommodate the large number of workers in the state.

In spite of rainfall, labour unions participated in a colourful march past as they wore customised T shirts, caps and ‘ankara’ fabrics of various colours.

The state Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, and the state Head of Service, Bode Agoro, lauded Lagos State workers for dedication.

They highlighted various initiatives by the state government to improve staff welfare and provide conducive work environment.

The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to increase the state’s allocation to cater for its high population.

The state Chairman of NLC, Funmi Sessi, made the call at the Workers Day celebrations held on Thursday at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos State.

“We use this medium to call on the Federal Government to give Lagos State more allocation because, as we are the most populous, we need more infrastructure.

“On daily basis, Lagos is the centre of unity for those who have been displaced from their states.

“The government continues to expend huge amount of money in the state to provide security for all these people.

“It will be fair on the state to be given more allocation, “ she said.

The labour leader also appealed to residents of the state to pay their taxes to enable the government to provide necessary facilities that would benefit them.

Sessi said: “Out of 33 million Lagosians, only 100,000 or more pay; in fact, let us state it that it is only public servants that are paying taxes.

“Please, if you do not pay your taxes, do not hold this government responsible to come and give you many facilities; we are encouraging you to pay your taxes.”

In his remarks, the state Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Gbenga Ekundayo, urged workers in the state to reclaim the civic space in line with the 2025 May Day theme.

Ekundayo urged the workers to collectively echo their voices to allow unions to grow stronger.

“We echo the call to reclaim our civic space amid economic hardship.

“Civic space is not merely the right to gather or speak; it is the soul of democracy.

“Today, inflation is rising, jobs are shrinking, and insecurity looms; yet, in this bleakness, we stand tall, demanding our right to participate, to challenge, to engage, “ he said.

In spite of rainfall, workers unions marched in their various colourful attires to celebrate Workers Day.