Frank Okon

Labour groups across Nigeria have expressed growing frustration with the state of the economy as the country marks Workers’ Day 2026.

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Traditionally a day to celebrate the contributions of workers in both public and private sectors, this year’s May Day has taken a more tense turn. Union leaders used the occasion to highlight worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and what they describe as government inaction, with some groups already embarking on strike action.

The situation is unfolding against a backdrop of intense political activity ahead of the January 2027 general elections. With political actors focused on power struggles, labour leaders say workers are being sidelined, fueling protests and dissatisfaction nationwide.

A major flashpoint is the nationwide strike declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). The strike, which began at midnight on May 1, 2026, is expected to disrupt operations in federal universities and inter-university centres.

In a letter dated April 30 and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the unions cited the Federal Government’s failure to conclude renegotiations on allowances. The letter, signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that while the government withdrew a controversial circular proposing a 30 percent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, no alternative offer was presented.

According to the unions, this lack of progress left them with no choice but to proceed with industrial action. They noted that members had already mandated leadership to act if negotiations were not concluded by the end of April.

The strike is expected to halt administrative and support services in federal tertiary institutions, raising concerns about yet another disruption in Nigeria’s already fragile university system.

Beyond the university sector, organised labour leaders are calling for urgent government action to address broader economic and security challenges.

Speaking at a pre-May Day lecture in Abuja, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero stressed that insecurity remains a major driver of poverty. He argued that workers cannot be productive in an unsafe environment and urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives and property.

“When workers’ rights are protected and people can move freely, farmers will return to their fields and poverty will reduce,” Ajaero said, warning that the NLC would continue to resist policies perceived as anti-worker.

Similarly, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo emphasised that decent work is non-negotiable. He called for the use of technology-driven intelligence to tackle insecurity, noting that meaningful economic progress is impossible without stability.

In his keynote address, Professor Kule Olawumi of International Relations and Strategic Studies described Nigeria’s situation as a paradox, where economic potential is undermined by insecurity and poor governance. He noted that fear and instability prevent citizens from working, farming, and engaging in productive activities.

He also warned that poverty among young people makes them vulnerable to political manipulation, especially during election periods.

“A nation that cannot convert youthful energy into productivity is in trouble,” he said, adding that governance failures act as “hidden taxes” on citizens through uncertainty and economic hardship.

Labour leaders also raised concerns about the declining value of the naira and rising inflation. Ajaero argued that improving the currency’s value is more critical than increasing wages, as inflation continues to erode workers’ purchasing power.

“Even if workers earn one million naira, it means little if the currency has no value,” he said.

He added that discussions on a new national minimum wage must follow due process and cannot be rushed for political reasons.

With fuel prices rising and the cost of living climbing steadily, labour leaders are urging the government to take immediate steps to ease the burden on workers.

As Workers’ Day 2026 unfolds, the message from organised labour is clear: without urgent reforms in economic management, security, and governance, the pressure on Nigerian workers will continue to grow.