Workers’ Day: Brands Celebrate Workers, Restate Commitment to Wellbeing as Stakeholders Make Fresh Demands
By Azeez Disu
As Nigeria marked this year’s International Workers’ Day on May 1, many brands and organizations took the opportunity to applaud the resilience and vital contributions of Nigerian workers, while reaffirming their commitments to employee wellbeing amid ongoing economic challenges.
In a celebration that coincided with the global observance of Labour Day, several companies launched creative campaigns emphasizing their dedication to human capital development and fostering better workplace relations. Among them, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Nigeria highlighted the importance of recognizing employee resilience.
Innocent Obinwanne, Director of People and Culture at JTI Nigeria, stated, “Our people are at the heart of our business. Being part of JTI means being part of a global community where people matter. At JTI Nigeria, we’ve built a workplace where fairness, equality, and opportunity thrive — and this has been key to the strong growth we’ve experienced over the years.”
Obinwanne also noted the company’s recognition by the Top Employers Institute, praising JTI’s people-first culture and emphasis on employee wellbeing.
However, despite these corporate gestures, the broader economic landscape remains challenging for Nigerian workers. A joint report by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress revealed that over 500,000 formal jobs were lost in 2024, affecting sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, fintech, banking, and logistics.
Chinyere Ofor, an HR manager at a Lagos-based manufacturing firm, lamented, “In 2024, we had 120 staff. Today, we are down to 35. We had to lay off even skilled technicians. Operating costs went up 300 per cent in less than two years.”
The hardships faced by workers extend beyond job losses. Funmi Sessi, Lagos State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, expressed concern over rising living costs. “This year, we have witnessed hardship in the civic space like never before. Are we talking about accommodation, transportation, healthcare, education, or even feeding? Prices keep rising, and nothing is being done to ease the pain,” she said.
In a statement issued recently, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) called on the Nigerian government to prioritize workers’ welfare by implementing a living wage. The organization underscored that Nigerian workers continue to suffer exploitation, unsafe conditions, and inadequate wages despite the nation’s economic growth. “It is imperative that the government listens and acts by implementing a living wage and people-centric policies that can offer workers a chance to survive,” CAPPA stated.
The NGO also criticized the continued failure of many state governments to implement the N70,000 minimum wage, with reports indicating that at least 20 states have yet to do so for local government workers and primary school teachers. “Across many sectors, workers are not only demanding adequate pay but also recognition of their rights to organize, voice their concerns, and work in safe environments,” the statement emphasized.
Adding to the concerns, CAPPA highlighted the alarming prevalence of illegal expatriate workers occupying roles meant for Nigerians, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Ojo revealing that 90% of expatriates are working without proper permits. “This situation deprives qualified Nigerians of good jobs and turns Nigeria into a dumping ground for unqualified foreign labour,” CAPPA’s statement noted.
In the midst of these challenges, voices from civil society and industry stakeholders continue to call for urgent reforms. Chinyere Ofor stressed the need for policies that support fair wages, while Funmi Sessi urged the government to address unemployment and underemployment issues more effectively.
As Nigeria commemorates Workers’ Day, the message from both corporate and civil society leaders is clear: while celebrating the resilience of Nigerian workers, there is an urgent need for concrete actions to improve their living and working conditions. The day serves as a reminder that the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of workers must remain a top priority for sustainable economic growth.