A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an immediate wage review for Nigerian workers, citing worsening economic hardship nationwide. 

In a statement on Friday, Mr Obi stated that no nation can truly develop beyond the well-being of its workforce.

 “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.

The politician decried the unfortunate decline in workers’ wages, adding that inflation and economic hardship had eroded the value of their hard work.

He said, “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.”

Mr Obi said that the progress of any society rested on the quality of its human capital and the commitment of its workers. 

“When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers. 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.

Mr Obi urged Nigerians, especially workers, to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion, and to refuse corruption.

“Help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded,” he said.