On the occasion of Workers’ Day, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to workers worldwide, with a strong focus on Nigerian workers whom he described as the backbone of the nation’s survival amid deepening economic hardship.
In a statement marking the day, Obi highlighted the stark reality facing millions of Nigerians who “teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve,” yet remain trapped in a cycle of poor wages and declining living standards.
He warned that the current minimum wage has lost its ability to guarantee even a basic quality of life, as inflation, rising food prices, and transport costs continue to erode workers’ earnings.
“No nation can rise above the strength and wellbeing of its workforce,” Obi stated, stressing that sustainable development depends on skilled, committed, and fairly treated workers.
“When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers.” He stressed.
Beyond economic concerns, Obi urged workers to recognise their political power, emphasizing the critical role of their collective voice and vote in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He called on them to demand leadership grounded in competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion, and to reject corruption, ethnic division, and poor governance.
According to him, national progress must be anchored on justice, fairness, and respect for labour.
He concluded with a message of cautious optimism, asserting that with the active participation of workers, a new Nigeria is possible.
