The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of abandoning the welfare of workers and worsening their economic plight.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, to commemorate the 2025 Workers’ Day, CHRICED said it was deeply troubled by the growing hardship faced by workers across the country despite increased government revenues and promises under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Inflation has surged from 21% at the start of this administration to 24.23%, yet the Federal Government has failed to match this economic reality with meaningful improvements in workers’ welfare,” CHRICED said.
“It is unacceptable that the national minimum wage remains a paltry N70,000 despite increased revenues from crude oil sales, expanded taxation, and savings from fuel subsidy removal.”
The organization condemned what it described as a disturbing trend where civil servants are left to struggle while billions of naira are earmarked for allowances and perks for political elites across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms.
CHRICED highlighted recent protests, such as those by workers in Oyo State, over unpaid wage awards as evidence of systemic neglect.
“More than 20 states have yet to revise their salary structures in line with the new minimum wage law passed since July 29, 2024,” the group noted.
“This delay reflects a disturbing level of disregard for the well-being and dignity of Nigerian workers.”
According to Dr. Zikirullahi, the situation is even more disheartening during key national festivities when workers often go without basic support.
“Under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the current administration has failed to offer Nigerian workers any meaningful hope or pathway to improved livelihoods,” he said.
CHRICED called on both federal and state governments to shift from symbolic gestures to real action by implementing a living wage; a wage reflective of the actual cost of living and subject to regular review in response to inflation and macroeconomic changes.
Beyond wages, the organization also demanded structural reforms in key areas of workers’ welfare such as housing, healthcare among others.
“Despite statutory deductions, many workers are unable to access housing due to the inefficacy of the National Housing Fund (NHF) and exclusionary practices by mortgage banks. Governments must roll out accessible, low-cost housing schemes tailored to workers’ incomes.”
“The National and State Health Insurance Schemes must be restructured. Workers continue to be denied critical care because of inadequate benefit packages.”
“We recommend the establishment of cooperative agricultural schemes to enable workers access essential food items annually through small contributions.”
CHRICED concluded its statement by urging governments at all levels to act with urgency, empathy, and accountability in addressing the plight of Nigerian workers.
“The welfare of Nigerian workers must be elevated from rhetoric to reality,” the statement added.
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