In honour of International Workers’ Day, Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended his best wishes to the country’s hard-working citizens and lauded their resilience, commitment, and patriotism in the face of adversity.
On Friday, his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, released his personally signed message. Along with millions of Nigerians both at home and abroad, I, Senator Godswill Akpabio—President of the 10th Senate and chairman of the National Assembly—join in this year’s celebration of Workers’ Day by praising and congratulating the tenacious, hard-working, and patriotic Nigerian workers whose efforts keep our nation going.
Workers from all walks of life are important, he said. He began by addressing the many people who work tirelessly to create Nigeria every day: the teachers who shape our future, the farmers who provide food for our nation, the physicians and nurses who treat our sick and injured, the craftsmen, traders, public servants, security guards, and private sector workers. For our democracy and economy, you are the unsung heroes.
Workers have many challenges, including increasing costs of living and job constraints, which Akpabio recognised. Better laws and policies will improve workers’ welfare, he said, and the Senate is devoted to that.
Workers confront a number of issues, including increasing living expenses and demanding work environments, which the 10th National Assembly has acknowledged. A living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, measures that increase job creation while protecting labour dignity, and other issues are priorities for the Senate, and we will not waver in our dedication to these causes.
He elaborated by saying that recent actions demonstrate this dedication, such as charity programs and the new National Minimum Wage Act.
A well-treated workforce is crucial to national progress, Akpabio said, urging firms to treat their employees properly.
As we celebrate May Day, I want to stress how important it is for public and private sector businesses to put workers’ needs first. National productivity and prosperity are built upon a motivated workforce. He gave the unions his stamp of approval for working together and pledged to keep them as partners.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria commends your bravery, acknowledges your accomplishments, and promises to keep working until every worker in Nigeria can have faith in their future, dignity, and hope.”
A heartfelt “Workers’ Day” greeting to all Nigerians was his last desire.