WORKERS’ DAY: ATIKU, OBI LAMENT ECONOMIC STRUGGLES OF NIGERIANS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Nigeria’s political atmosphere reflected deep divisions on Friday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, used the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration to assess the plight of Nigerian workers, with both men expressing concerns over the country’s economic situation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a message shared on his X account, Obi described workers as the foundation of every nation, commending their dedication across sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security, and manufacturing.

He lamented that despite their contributions to national growth, many Nigerian workers continue to struggle under worsening economic conditions. Obi noted that inflation, rising food prices, and increasing transport costs have significantly reduced the value of the minimum wage, making it difficult for workers to maintain a decent standard of living.

According to Obi, it is troubling that individuals who contribute daily to teaching, healthcare, farming, production, transportation, security, and public service are not adequately rewarded or treated with the dignity they deserve. He stressed that the strength of a nation is closely tied to the wellbeing of its workforce, adding that worker welfare remains essential to productivity and national prosperity.

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The former Anambra State governor also encouraged workers to recognise their political power by using their votes to demand leadership built on competence, integrity, capacity, credibility, and compassion. He urged Nigerians to reject corruption, poor governance, and divisive politics, insisting that collective action could help create a country where hard work is respected and rewarded. He concluded by reaffirming his popular slogan that “a New Nigeria is Possible.”

In a separate statement posted on X, Atiku offered a more critical assessment, saying he marked Workers’ Day with sorrow rather than celebration. He accused the Tinubu administration of worsening hardship despite campaigning under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Atiku argued that instead of renewed hope, Nigerians have experienced renewed economic hardship, claiming that workers have suffered most under policies focused more on revenue generation than improving citizens’ welfare.

While acknowledging that fuel subsidy removal was a necessary economic reform, he criticised the government’s implementation, describing it as poorly planned and lacking adequate support measures for vulnerable citizens.

He said the policy triggered higher transportation fares, increased food costs, and intensified financial pressure on workers already battling inflation. According to Atiku, although subsidy removal generated significant savings, ordinary Nigerians have yet to see clear benefits from the funds. He alleged that the money had been distributed across different levels of government without producing meaningful impact for citizens.

The former vice president also questioned spending priorities on major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, raising concerns about transparency in procurement and governance decisions.

Despite their differing tones, both opposition figures agreed on the critical role workers play in national development. Obi focused on worker empowerment and civic participation, while Atiku concentrated on criticising economic management and policy execution under the current administration.

Workers’ Day, observed globally on May 1, is dedicated to recognising the contributions of workers and advocating for improved labour conditions.