The May Day celebration in Nasarawa State in 2025 was marked by a dual focus: celebrating workers’ contributions and addressing pressing concerns impacting their well-being. The state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) brought to the forefront the persistent issue of inadequate electricity supply across the state’s 13 local government areas, crippling businesses and disrupting daily life. They called upon the state government to investigate the recurring power outages and collaborate with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to implement effective solutions. This call for action underscored the vital role of reliable electricity in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for residents.
Beyond the electricity crisis, the unions also highlighted the financial strains faced by workers, particularly those in tertiary institutions who were yet to receive the federally approved N70,000 minimum wage. The NLC chairman, Ismaila Okoh, advocated for an upward review of pension payments for state and local government retirees, recognizing the escalating cost of living and the potential health challenges faced by senior citizens. He further emphasized the importance of investing in research and development by establishing a dedicated Research, Innovation, and Training Centre for civil servants. This initiative, he argued, would enhance productivity and contribute to the state’s technological advancement. Okoh’s address encapsulated the unions’ commitment to securing fair wages, improved benefits, and professional development opportunities for all workers.
Okoh’s address further underscored the vital connection between worker welfare and societal progress. He argued that a prosperous state requires a thriving workforce, and this can only be achieved by protecting workers’ rights, ensuring equitable access to resources, and strengthening social security frameworks. This holistic approach, he believed, would foster peace, enhance worker engagement, and drive higher productivity. By linking worker well-being to overall societal advancement, the NLC chairman made a compelling case for prioritizing the needs of the workforce.
Echoing the NLC’s concerns, the TUC chairman, Mohammed Doma, specifically addressed the financial burden imposed on civil servants by the fuel subsidy removal. He appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to provide tax relief, which would mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and make the N70,000 minimum wage more meaningful. Doma also urged the governor to expedite the payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears, a matter of significant concern for workers awaiting their rightful dues. His remarks highlighted the urgency of addressing the economic challenges faced by workers and the need for government intervention to alleviate their financial strain.
Amidst these calls for action, the TUC chairman also acknowledged positive developments. He commended Governor Sule for his instrumental role in resolving a long-standing legal dispute with pensioners. This successful resolution, achieved through out-of-court settlement, demonstrated the power of dialogue and collaboration in addressing complex issues. Doma praised the maturity and cooperation displayed by both the government and the pensioners, emphasizing the collective effort that led to a positive outcome.
Governor Sule, represented by the Head of Service, Barr. Abigail Waya, acknowledged the challenges faced by workers in the face of economic hardship. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to worker empowerment, citing the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in December 2024. He highlighted the government’s efforts in job creation, noting the conversion of thousands of temporary positions in teaching, healthcare, and other sectors into permanent roles. He also emphasized the importance of career advancement, referencing the numerous promotions granted to civil servants between 2018 and 2023. Furthermore, the governor underscored the administration’s investment in training and development programs for civil servants, designed to equip them with modern skills and knowledge. These initiatives reflected the government’s recognition of the vital role played by a skilled and motivated workforce in achieving the state’s development goals.
