On this international May Day, the condition of Nigerian workers remains deeply troubling and warrants serious reflection. Workers form the backbone of any functional society, which should support them for efficiency. In Nigeria, however, workers are mistreated by a culpable and inefficient state that constantly disregards them. Yet within this catastrophe lie opportunities for beleaguered workers to push back and demand better conditions during the 2027 political season. If there was ever a time for workers to harness their numerical strength in enlightened self-interest, it is now.
The Global Context and Nigeria's Exception
The fate of workers worldwide has rarely been easy. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, in 1848, condemned the oppressive lot of workers in The Communist Manifesto, ending with the timeless rallying cry: 'Proletarians of all countries, unite!' Following this slogan has significantly shifted employer-employee class conflicts in favor of workers in all civilized societies, including the over 80 countries celebrating International Labour Day today. Sadly, the Nigerian state is a painful exception in this triumphant struggle.
Nigeria's Harsh Reality for Workers
The country's dire condition mirrors that of its workers. In its repressive administrative model, the state is divided between affluent ruling elites and impoverished masses living in squalor. In between are alienated workers whose existence is commoditized, paid paltry sums to remain dependent on the ruling bourgeoisie. Compounded by mismanagement of the socio-economic landscape, Nigerian workers have long been swimming against the current.
First, the ruling elite has conspired to undermine industrialization and scare away investors, making the government the largest employer. Second, unfriendly business environments and economic woes, worsened by President Bola Tinubu's policies, have starved the proletariat of new opportunities and pushed many out of work. The unemployment rate is officially 40 percent, and many employed are underemployed, earning less than the N70,000 minimum wage monthly.
Most harrowing is that workers are battered by high inflation, officially at 15.38 percent. The cost of living rises amid low pay, lack of basic amenities, and widespread insecurity. The Nigerian Living Standards Survey (NLSS) estimated that 40.1 percent (82.9 million) Nigerians are poor by national standards, earning below N2,800 per day. As of April 2026, the number living in poverty has risen to an estimated 140–141 million, about 62–63 percent of the population. Despite recent macroeconomic reforms and easing inflation, the World Bank indicates that high living costs and weak income growth have accelerated poverty from 56 percent in 2023 to 63 percent in 2025/2026.
In a country offering little hope, many choose to migrate to Europe, America, or other African countries that value their skills. Those without means in the North move South to escape terrorism, kidnapping, and killings.
The Power of Workers and Union Failures
Despite perilous times, workers' relevance is not lost on their oppressors. In all establishments—public or private, offices or homes, boardrooms or gates—workers drive activities. They are the lifeblood of any organization, and no right-thinking employer can take them for granted. This consciousness holds the unspoken power of the labor force that unionism rides on. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 30 million Nigerians are in active employment, with another half underemployed. This is an irrepressible potential for people power that no oppressor group or repressive state can outclass. Therein lies hope for Nigerian workers and the country.
Regrettably, labor unions have rarely shown more than superficial interest in state policies or attempted to gain a major foothold in members' welfare. The last real activism was during military rule. What replaced old unionism is corrupt hobnobbing with politicians, divide-and-rule tactics, internal wrangling, sectionalism, and lack of cohesion among sister unions. Their loss has been the gain of wrongheaded officeholders who act as emperors.
Why should essential workers in healthcare, universities, and judiciary embark on long strikes when a solidarity protest by the NLC or NUPENG would force an intransigent administration to act? Why should scores of Nigerians and workers be killed daily, and unions not demand accountability for resources funneled into security without progress? Why is there so much poverty, unpaid salaries, and pensions where governors squander resources? Why do the power sector and refineries defy solutions despite huge investments, and unions see no existential doom?
A Call to Action for Workers
Current labor unions have not shown remarkable activism. Yet there is much they can do to turn the corner. As major stakeholders with numerical advantage, it begins with telling the ruling elites 'enough is enough' in mismanagement. It requires formidable unity that cannot be bought by moneybags. Workers must realize that today's consequences stem from yesterday's wrong choices. To have a better Nigeria tomorrow, they must make choices at the next poll.
The political season offers an opportunity for workers to unite, set the agenda, and not settle for scoundrels. They must separate the wheat from the chaff, bargain, and elicit detailed strategies from aspirants on addressing their concerns. These millions of workers have the power to rally their environment to choose only those they can trust and hold accountable.
Similarly, accountability must be stepped up at every level. Corruption is rampant in Nigeria, cutting across all sectors. Collectively, we must demand probity from the system. In every segment—public, private, domestic—employers must treat employees well, and vice versa, for mutual survival.
Beyond the charade of May Day parades across 36 states, the larger consciousness should end oppressive regimes, irresponsible leadership, and pervasive corruption that make living in Nigeria harrowing. It is time for workers to push back through their bargaining power. They have nothing to lose but their misery. Nigerian workers, unite! Happy Workers' Day.
