Nigerian workers have decried the deteriorating living standards of workers, calling on the government to address the development.

Speaking on Thursday, in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the 2025 May Day celebration, some of the workers expressed concerns over their impoverished conditions.

According to them, several factors, such as high electricity/internet tariffs, pump prices of petrol, and the introduction of numerous taxes, among others, have a negative effect on workers.

An official of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Samson Oloyede, said that Nigeria’s workforce had ‘gone above and beyond’ for the country’s progress.

Mr Oloyede, who said Nigerian workers deserve appreciation and respect for their contributions to national development, implored the government to urgently address the plight of workers and vulnerable Nigerians.

He drew the government’s attention to some of the areas needing attention to enhance workers’ living standards.

Mr Oloyede cited the high cost of fuel, rising food costs, and inflation, which continue to adversely affect workers’ net income.

Also, a member of the Tricycle Association of Nigeria, Timi Olougbebe, corroborated Mr Oloyede, stating that fuel prices had gone up beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

Mr Olougbebe said that transport fares had increased, and prices of goods, including motor spare parts and other items, were rising.

“Just imagine purchasing, on installments, a brand-new tricycle machine for N4 million. The hardship in the country has resulted in the untimely death of many Nigerians and calls for urgent intervention,” he said.

On her part, a federal civil servant, Modupe Ojo, urged the government to review some of its policies towards mitigating the economic hardship facing workers and Nigerians at large.

“Government should take proactive measures that will impact positively on the generality of citizens’ living conditions. It is unfortunate that the so-called ₦70,000 minimum wage could not match the current hyperinflation in the country,” she stated.

A member of the National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW), who simply identified himself as Mr Kunle, urged the government to reduce import duty on vehicles.

Mr Kunle noted that naira depreciation and increased import duty made it difficult for transporters to buy vehicles for their operations.

According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy had adversely affected the operations of commercial drivers.

Speaking in the same vein, another federal civil servant, Jimoh Adeleke, appealed to the government to review the N70,000 minimum wage.

According to him, the minimum wage could no longer match the current inflation rate in Nigeria.

Mr Adeleke also pleaded with the federal government to pay the five months’ arrears of wage awards at once, instead of in instalments.

(NAN)