Nigeria’s political space reflected sharp divisions on Friday as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi used the occasion of Workers Day to highlight the struggles of Nigerian workers and criticise the current economic situation under Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his message shared on X, Obi described workers as the backbone of every nation, commending their contributions across sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and security. He expressed concern that despite their efforts, many Nigerian workers continue to face harsh economic realities, with rising inflation, food prices, and transport costs eroding their standard of living.
Obi noted that the minimum wage is no longer sufficient to guarantee a decent life, stressing that worker welfare is essential to national growth and productivity. He urged workers to recognise their political strength and use their votes to demand leadership defined by competence, integrity, and accountability. According to him, collective action can help build a nation where hard work is rewarded with dignity.
On his part, Atiku took a more critical stance, saying he marked Workers Day with grief rather than celebration. He accused the current administration of worsening hardship, arguing that its policies have failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Atiku referenced the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary reform that was poorly implemented without adequate safety measures. He said the decision triggered increased transport fares and food prices, placing additional strain on workers already battling inflation.
He also questioned how savings from the subsidy removal have been utilised, raising concerns about transparency and the impact of government spending on citizens. Both leaders, however, agreed on the central role of workers in national development, even as they differed in tone and emphasis.
Workers Day, celebrated annually on May 1, remains a platform to recognise labour contributions and advocate for better working conditions across the country.
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