The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, have congratulated Nigerian workers as they mark workers’ Day.
They both disclosed via their official X account formerly called twitter. According to Obi, the struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges are obvious. Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth.
He added that “ this International Workers’ Day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our Nigerian workers, whose unwavering commitment and immense contributions drive our nation’s growth and development.
“A day like this offers us the opportunity to appreciate every Nigerian worker at different levels of government, across different agencies, private industries and business sectors – your legitimate labours form the energy that propels our nation.”
He also frowned at the level of unemployment in the country.
He said “notwithstanding the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has an unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and a youth unemployment and under-employment rate of over 45%, which is one of the highest globally, fuelling all sorts of criminality and social vices.”
He noted that “an aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production. This, as I have consistently maintained, we can achieve by investing in education, health and fighting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses.
“As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognise the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers,” Obi stated.
While Atiku on his part referred to Nigerian workers “as the indomitable engine propelling our nation towards its long-sought prosperity.”
“Yet, it is disheartening that those entrusted with the reins of policy and governance have failed to reciprocate this steadfast commitment with tangible acts of support and justice.
According to him, the labour force is the soul of our nation. It is both the face and the force of the people. It is thus imperative that governments and employers alike erect unyielding safeguards to protect the dignity, benefits, and entitlements that justly belong to the worker.
He however enjoined policy makers to draw inspiration from the theme of this year’s celebration, and to embrace the labour force not as a mere tool but as an equal partner in the journey to national greatness.
