………….Labour Cooperating With Ministry For Peace, Harmony In The Sector – Dingyadi.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday assured citizens that he is working diligently to address the prevalent socio-economic hardship they are facing, including the rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, and unemployment.
He noted that the government is addressing these challenges through “formulating and implementing policies that promote job creation, decent jobs, poverty alleviation, economic growth and stability, as well as supporting the most vulnerable among us.”
Tinubu gave the assurance at the 2025 May Day celebration, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with “labour unions, the organised and informal private sector, and civil society organisations to create policies and programmes that safeguard the rights and livelihoods of workers across all sectors of the economy.”
He maintained that the government remained committed to creating an environment where workers feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute productively to the growth and prosperity of the nation, aligning with the theme of the Day, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship.”
Tinubu stated that “a vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential for holding leaders accountable, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every Nigerian has a seat at the table.”
The President emphasized that to reclaim that space, Nigerians must prioritize transparency, inclusivity, equity, and dialogue.
He said: “We must protect the rights of workers to organize, advocate, and participate in decision-making processes; and we must ensure that the voices of the marginalized are amplified, not silenced as it is through this space that we can build trust, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
“On our part as government, we will continue to strengthen labour protections, improving job security, and ensuring fair treatment for all workers in line with international best practices, and at the same time addressing issues of underemployment which remains a significant concern.”
The President lauded the dedication, perseverance, and patriotism of the workers, urged them to use the Day to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and justice, and stand united in their pursuit of a better Nigeria.
In the same vein, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, assured the workers of the commitment of President Tinubu to strengthening legal protections for freedom of assembly and expression, creating jobs, including labour in policymaking, encouraging civil dialogue over conflict, and protecting the fundamental rights of workers, especially in times of crises.
Dingyadi, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, highlighted the efforts of the Ministry in strengthening labour protections through enforcing compliance with occupational safety and health standards, ensuring fair wages and dignified employment for Nigerian workers; facilitating youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes, and expanding employment opportunities through the introduction of Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
Regarding industrial harmony and dispute resolution, he said the Ministry has been playing a key role in mediating labour disputes, fostering industrial peace, and ensuring fair treatment of workers across various sectors.
Dingyadi applauded the labour unions for their commitment to working with the Ministry in maintaining industrial peace and harmony, reflected in the recent stability in the sector.
The Minister urged the labour unions, civil society, and all stakeholders to work together with the government to ensure the economic recovery of the nation and the well-being of the people.
Signed
Patience Onuobia
Head, Press and Public Relations
2 May 2025
