Labour unions in Abia and Niger states have intensified calls for improved wages for health, agriculture, and social welfare workers, spotlighting longstanding disparities and job-related hazards.
In Abia State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) urged Governor Alex Otti to extend the N70,000 minimum wage to key sectors excluded from the initial rollout. Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Umuahia, NLC Chairman Mr Ogbonnaya Okoro and TUC Chairman Mr Ihechi Enogwe identified affected sectors as environmental health, veterinary services, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and agencies under the Ministries of Agriculture, Social and Women Affairs, and Education.
Okoro warned that failure to implement wage parity could jeopardise industrial harmony. He praised the governor’s infrastructural efforts and the rollout of the contributory pension scheme but called for counterpart funding and an end to excessive taxation on workers.
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting the payment of over N30 billion in salary arrears since assuming office. He pledged to give careful consideration to all concerns raised.
Also in Abia, Chief Chiemela Iroha of the Agricultural Workers’ Union described this year’s celebration as a turning point, stating, “This is the first time workers are seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”
Meanwhile, in Niger State, health workers under the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) demanded a 150% salary increase, citing the hazardous conditions they endure. State Chairman Comrade Usman Abubakar-Dabban made the appeal during the May Day celebration in Minna, stressing that “health workers are game-changers and their welfare should reflect that.”
He commended the state government for implementing an N80,000 minimum wage—above the federal benchmark—and thanked the deputy governor for past support in developing the union’s secretariat. Abubakar-Dabban also urged union members to maintain professional ethics to sustain government goodwill.
Responding on behalf of the state government, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Aminu Yusuf, praised the union’s unity and described May Day as an opportunity to address ongoing labour challenges.
As wage demands and welfare concerns dominate Workers’ Day celebrations across the states, labour leaders are increasingly pressing for equity, safety, and recognition for frontline workers who have long felt overlooked.
