The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to tackling the dual challenges of insecurity and poverty as a prerequisite for promoting decent work and improving the welfare of the Nigerian workforce.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square on Friday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, acknowledged the severe economic hurdles and safety concerns currently impacting national productivity and the livelihoods of citizens.
The Minister noted that the theme of this year’s May Day, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” serves as a sobering reflection of the realities facing the modern Nigerian worker.
He emphasized that the government is currently intensifying collaborations with security agencies to safeguard workplaces and communities, asserting that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of fear. Beyond security, Dingyadi highlighted ongoing investments in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure as pillars for job creation and youth empowerment.
Addressing the critical issue of compensation, Dingyadi reiterated the government’s dedication to comprehensive wage reforms.
He described the recently implemented minimum wage as a foundational step toward ensuring fairness and dignity, disclosing that the Ministry is working in lockstep with labour unions and state governments to ensure total compliance across the federation.
Furthermore, he pointed to the review of the National Employment Policy and the strengthening of occupational health frameworks as evidence of a systemic shift toward better labour administration.
Nigeria’s alignment with global standards also took center stage, with the Minister revealing that the country has joined the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Coalition for Social Justice. This move is expected to modernize existing labour laws and bolster efforts to eliminate child labour.
Dingyadi called for a unified front among stakeholders, urging employers and unions to partner with the government to dismantle the structural barriers of poverty that hinder the nation’s industrial harmony and collective progress.
In a stirring tribute to the workforce, Dr. Dingyadi commended Nigerian workers for their resilience, describing them as the “backbone” of the nation’s growth. Reaffirming the administration’s stance, he stated:
“The theme of this year’s celebration speaks directly to the realities confronting our workforce today. We acknowledge the weight of economic hardship and the threats posed by insecurity; these are not abstract because they affect the very fabric of our nation. Let me reassure you that the Federal Government remains steadfast; the recently implemented minimum wage is not the end of our journey, but a step toward ensuring every worker earns a living wage that reflects both dignity and fairness.”
