Workers’ Day 2026: Hardship, Insecurity Threaten Workers’ Welfare in Oyo — Labour Leaders

Calls for tax relief, fuel price control as hardship bites harder

The Labour leaders in Oyo State have raised serious concerns over rising insecurity and deepening poverty, describing both as major obstacles to decent work and workers’ welfare in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Oyo State Council, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi, said the current economic realities have worsened the living conditions of workers.

The event, themed “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” brought together government officials, labour leaders, and workers across the state.

Olabiyi highlighted a major victory for the labour movement, announcing the reinstatement of about 800 workers previously dismissed by Dangote Group for union activities.

“This is a significant achievement for us. After a series of negotiations, all affected workers have been recalled. It is a major win for the labour movement,” he said.

He, however, stressed that workers are still grappling with economic hardship triggered by rising fuel prices, which he linked partly to global tensions in the Middle East.

According to him, the situation has led to increased transportation costs, high accommodation rates, and difficulty in meeting basic needs.

“The current minimum wage is no longer realistic. What we have is far below a living wage,” Olabiyi added, calling for urgent government intervention.

The TUC chairman commended the Oyo State Government for implementing a N80,000 minimum wage and introducing a N10,000 monthly palliative to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He, however, urged the government to make the allowance permanent and increase it.“We appreciate the gesture, but the reality is that N10,000 is not enough to address the level of hardship workers are facing,” he said.

On insecurity, Olabiyi expressed concern over the increasing rate of kidnapping and violence, noting that workers can no longer operate effectively under fear.

“When workers are not safe, productivity will decline. Government must prioritise the protection of lives and property,” he stated.

He also called on the federal government to provide tax relief for workers and subsidise crude oil supply to local refineries to reduce fuel prices.

Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins, echoed concerns about insecurity and poverty, describing them as direct threats to workers’ dignity and productivity.

Martins urged governments at all levels to strengthen policies that address unemployment and ensure compliance with labour laws.

He also called for the protection of democratic processes, warning against vote-buying and election manipulation ahead of future elections.

“We must defend our democracy. Free and fair elections are critical to ensuring good governance and improved workers’ welfare,” he said.

In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musbau Babatunde, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and security.

The governor noted that his government has consistently paid salaries and pensions on time since 2019 and has increased gratuity payments significantly to clear backlogs.

He also outlined efforts to tackle insecurity, including strengthening the Amotekun Corps, supporting security agencies with logistics, and improving inter-agency collaboration.

“A secure Oyo State is a productive Oyo State,” the governor stated, adding that his administration remains committed to creating a conducive work environment.

The event ended with a renewed call for unity among workers and sustained engagement with government to address the challenges of insecurity and poverty affecting the workforce.