By Chimezie Godfrey
As Nigeria marks International Workers’ Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre has called for urgent and far-reaching reforms to improve the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian workers amid worsening economic realities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said this year’s celebration comes at a critical time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, shrinking purchasing power, and policies that have further widened inequality.
Rafsanjani noted that despite their central role in sustaining governance and economic productivity, many Nigerian workers continue to live under harsh conditions and struggle to meet basic needs.
“The celebration comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are facing worsening economic hardship, rising living costs, and policies that have deepened inequality,” he said.
The organisation paid tribute to uniformed personnel, including members of the armed forces and paramilitary services, both serving and retired, acknowledging their sacrifices in protecting national security and stability.
CISLAC also recognised the contributions of civil servants, private sector employees, and development workers, noting that their efforts remain critical to governance, economic growth, and service delivery across the country.
The group commended development workers for their resilience and commitment to promoting accountability, improved governance, and better livelihoods for Nigerians, despite operating under difficult conditions.
However, the organisation attributed the current challenges facing workers to systemic and structural weaknesses within the country’s governance and public service framework.
According to Rafsanjani, poorly managed welfare systems, ineffective subsidy structures, and weak institutional support have left many workers vulnerable.
“Unlike in other countries where workers benefit from state-backed welfare systems, Nigeria’s system has left many exposed and struggling,” he added.
CISLAC further criticised what it described as short-term policy approaches by successive administrations, warning that the failure to prioritise sustainable welfare policies has pushed many workers into persistent poverty.
The organisation stressed that the dignity of labour has been eroded, with workers facing weak protections, delayed benefits, and inadequate support both during and after service.
“Improved welfare during and after service is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” Rafsanjani emphasised.
CISLAC called on governments at all levels to prioritise timely payment of salaries, regular promotions, and sustained investment in training and capacity building.
It also urged workers to demonstrate greater commitment to their duties by upholding professionalism, punctuality, and accountability, while shunning absenteeism and other unproductive practices.
The organisation maintained that building a fair and equitable labour system is essential for national stability, economic growth, and social justice.
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