President Bola Tinubu on Thursday thanked Nigerian workers for their patriotism, perseverance and promised to cushion economic hardship.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammed  Dingyadi, said this at the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja.

The President described workers as the “backbone of our society, whose dedication and resilience drive the engine of the Nigerian economy and uphold the values of our dear nation.”

He said the  government recognised the contributions of the organised labour in fostering dialogue, promoting workers’ rights, and ensuring that their voices are always heard, loud and clear.

Tinubu said the theme for this year’s May Day celebrations,”Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship” demanded a collective attention.

He added that the theme served as a stark reminder of the need to create an environment where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute most productively to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

“As your president, I assure you that this administration is committed to creating conducive climate for the common good of all of us.

“Economic hardship is a global phenomenon, cut across all regions, testing the resolve of world leaders, but has not broken our spirit,” he said.

The President said the government was well aware of the peculiarities of the economic hardship for Nigerians occasioned by struggles and challenges of workers and indeed many Nigerians.

“These ranges from a rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, loss of livelihood, and pressure to provide necessities for your families, amongst others.

“These challenges are real, critical, and demand definite solutions, which I, as your president, am poised to address,” he said.

The President assured his administration’s commitment to implementing deliberate policies aimed at promoting job creation, decent jobs, poverty alleviation, economic growth and stability.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.

Speaking on the theme of the day, Tinubu underscored the need for reclaiming the civic space, “where ideas are exchanged, voices are heard, and change is born”.

“A vibrant civic space is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential for holding leaders’ accountable, fostering innovation, and ensuring every Nigerian has a seat at the table.

“Therefore, to reclaim this space, we must prioritise transparency, inclusivity, equity, and dialogue.

“We must protect the rights of workers to organise, advocate, and participate in the decision-making process.

“We must ensure that the voices of the marginalised are amplified, not silenced, as it is through this space that we can build trust, unity, and a shared vision for a better future,” he said.

The President assured that the government would continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment for all workers, in line with international best practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi