Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to Nigerian workers, while calling on them to use their collective strength to demand accountable leadership and better living conditions.
In a Workers’ Day message posted on his official X handle on Friday, May 1, Obi acknowledged the resilience of workers across sectors, noting that their contributions continue to sustain the country despite prevailing economic challenges.
“On this Workers’ Day, I warmly salute workers across the world, especially Nigerian workers whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain our families, communities, institutions, and national economy, even in the face of severe hardship and uncertainty,” he said.
He expressed concern over the declining value of wages, stating that many workers are struggling to meet basic needs due to rising inflation and cost of living.
“It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves.
“In today’s Nigeria, the minimum wage can no longer guarantee even the most modest standard of living, as inflation, rising food prices, transportation costs, and economic hardship continue to erode the value of honest work,” he said.
Obi stressed that national development is directly tied to the wellbeing of workers, warning that neglecting the workforce undermines progress.
“No nation can truly develop beyond the strength, productivity, and wellbeing of its workforce.
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“The progress of any society rests on the quality of its human capital, the skill of its people, and the commitment of its workers. When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers,” he said.
He also urged workers to recognise their influence in shaping governance through democratic participation.
“But beyond their labour, workers also possess another powerful tool, their voice and their vote. Through democratic participation, they have the power to shape governance and determine the future direction of the nation,” he said.
Calling for a shift in leadership standards, Obi encouraged Nigerians to prioritise competence and integrity in their political choices.
“I therefore urge Nigerian workers to recognise the strength they hold collectively. They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion.
“By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising the need for fairness and respect for labour as the foundation of national progress.
“A productive nation must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour. That is the Nigeria we must work together to achieve.
“With the support and participation of Nigerian workers, a New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.