 |
| Niger Labour Rally – May Day 2025 |
On May 1, NLC members gathered at Minna’s 123 Sports Complex to mark Workers’ Day. They voiced deep anger at high living costs and late pay. Leaders pressed the state to act now. The rally drew a large, determined crowd. The mood was firm and hopeful.
Inflation in Nigeria hit 24.23 percent in March 2025. Prices of food and transport rose sharply. These costs weaken household budgets across the country. Workers find it hard to keep up. Many households now skip meals or cut back on medicine.
NLC leaders said wage delays worsen the pain of high prices. Local government staff still await unpaid arrears and bonuses. Civil servants faced a late February salary payment. This delay struck in Ramadan, adding to hardship. Families went without basic support for weeks.
The union also blamed anti-labour policies for hurting workers. They cited halted promotions and missing step increases. Medical and hazard pay have stayed flat despite real risks. Pension reforms remain stalled after prior promises. These gaps leave many without fair dues.
Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman spoke for Governor Bago. He said the state will clear salary backlogs soon. He vowed to pay wages on time going forward. He noted steps to boost workers’ welfare are in motion. This praise earned the governor a “Workers’ Hero” award.
NBS data shows food inflation at 21.79 percent year-on-year in March. Key staples like rice, yam, and pepper pushed costs up. Transport costs rose due to petrol and fare hikes. Energy price shifts added to home bills. Many workers spend over half their pay on food.
Economists say inflation will ease later as reforms take hold. CBN Governor Cardoso forecasts price growth to slow after subsidy removal pains fade. He tied slowing costs to rising oil output and forex gains. These factors may ease basic goods costs by mid-year.
Samuel Oyekanmi of Norrenberger saw mixed forces at play. He said new data weights curb some prices while petrol hikes push others up. He warned further naira falls could fuel fresh price rises. He called for quick action to protect incomes.
Labour experts urge Niger State to lead on wage reform. They want wage awards set by the National Salary Act fully enforced. They say fair pay boosts local economies. They cite states that paid on time and saw local trade rise. They call such steps both fair and smart.
Workers shared personal stories at the rally. A teacher said her salary now buys half her meal needs. A nurse said she skipped family medicine to feed her kids. A cleaner spoke of walking 10 km to save transport fare. These tales showed real pain behind the numbers.
State unions warned that delay in pay breaks trust. They said workers lose faith when promises go unmet. They stressed prompt salaries build morale and output. They noted smooth pay equals stronger public services. They urged swift reforms to keep essential staff.
The NLC asked for full pension policy steps to start now. They want hazard and medical allowances raised. They seek clear timelines for promotions and steps. They want any new policy signed into law. They stressed action over more promises.
Government officials highlighted budget limits but pledged change. They noted revenue shortfalls from FAAC delays. They said technical glitches plagued payment platforms but now are fixed. They promised fund releases by month’s end. They asked for patience as fixes take hold.
Opposition voices said the state government must do more. They called for open talks with labour leaders. They urged public release of wage payment plans. They said transparency can calm unrest. They offered to join a labour-government forum.
Some civic groups backed the NLC call for fair pay. They warned that unrest could rise if issues persist. They said stable wages support civic peace. They urged quick fixes to wage systems. They offered mediation help to both sides.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Niger State echoed similar concerns. They cited undue hardship when pay comes late. They urged platform checks to stop glitches. They asked for clear pay calendars for 2025. They vowed to stand by any worker left unpaid.
The rally stayed peaceful with strong unity shown. No reports of clashes or arrests emerged. Police escorted marchers without incident. This calm mood gave hope for future talks. Workers cheered solidarity and spoke with local media.
May Day in other states saw varied actions. Edo and Rivers chapters held toned-down events amid political tension. Rivers State skip in central celebrations made headlines. Some states held joint NLC-TUC rallies for wage review. These events shaped a national call for worker rights.
Across Nigeria, labour marks this May Day in hardship. Workers face job risks, layoffs, and slow pay. They also fight union bans in some areas. They call on all state governments to heed NLC demands. They urge national unity for worker welfare.
International bodies watch closely. The ILO praised Niger State for talks but urged faster cuts to pay delays. It asked Nigeria to meet global labour standards. It noted child labour fights in some states but urged more focus on adult wages.
Experts say fair wages cut poverty and boost growth. They link stable pay to better health and education. They warn that delays drive workers into debt. They call for strong labour laws and clear budgets. They see labour peace as key to state stability.
Local business groups fear rising costs and strikes. They warned that slow pay erodes local trade and tax revenues. They called for swift government-labour pacts on pay dates. They saw that prompt pay keeps businesses and households spending.
Civil society urged more worker voice in budgets. They said budget drafts should list wage dates. They called for public audits of payment systems. They see this as guardrails against future delays. They offered to train staff on new platforms.
Labour leaders said they will meet the governor next week. They plan clear steps and timelines on pay and perks. They will share minutes publicly for accountability. They hope this process can be a model for other states.
Workers said they want respect and fair conditions, not conflict. They seek clear dialogue channels on pay and policy. They said dignity in work drives pride and productivity. They asked the state to value their vital roles.
The NLC invite public feedback through its Niger State helpline. It set up an online portal for wage and policy alerts. It plans monthly town halls to track progress. It hopes these steps keep issues clear.
As evening fell, workers sang and prayed for change. They closed with a pledge to work and to keep watch. They vowed unity across sectors and unions. They hope May Day marks a fresh start on fair pay.
This May Day put Niger State in focus for labour action. It showed how high costs and slow pay can unite workers. It pressed government to act fast on wage systems. It offered a blueprint for other states to follow.
Balancing hopes and hard facts can guide policy next. Clear pay dates, budget lines, and fair policies ease tensions. Worker-government trusts form when words match actions. This event set a tone for growth and fairness.
The path ahead needs firm budgets and open doors. Trust builds when pay comes on time, without fuss. Hard work and fair pay go hand in hand. Niger State can lead with clear plans and swift action.
May Day 2025 in Niger State showed the power of unity. It spotlighted workers’ rights amid high costs. It urged urgent fixes in wage and policy systems. It left clear steps for all sides.