01/05/2026
SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF ORGANIZED LABOUR, NIGER STATE, COMRADE IDREES ABDULKAREEM LAFENE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2026 WORKERS’ DAY CELEBRATION. Theme: INSECURITY AND POVERTY: THE BANE OF DECENT WORK, HELD AT 123 FILED, TODAY 1ST MAY, 2026.
PROTOCOLS:
Your Excellency,
The Executive Governor of Niger State,
Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago,
Distinguished Members of the State Executive Council,
Leaders of Organised Labour,
Esteemed comrades,
Members of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. Today is not just another date on the calendar that we are just gathered to celebrate the dignity of labour it is a day carved out of struggle, sacrifice, and solidarity.
A day that reminds us that every right enjoyed by workers today was earned, not gifted
2. Comrades, let us remember that Workers’ Day is not just a moment of pride, but also a moment of truth.
A time to celebrate the dignity of labour, yes but also a time to speak honestly about the realities confronting workers.
3. Your Excellency, on behalf of Organised Labour in Niger State, I extend warm greetings of solidarity.
We sincerely appreciate the steps your administration has taken to improve workers’ welfare, which gives us hope for a better future.
We particularly recognise:
The extension of service years for teachers at both the State and Local Government levels.
The implementation of Grade Level 17 in the Local Government service.
The introduction of wage awards for Local Government teachers,
The conscious effort to bridge the salary gap between State and Local Government workers.
These actions reflect responsiveness, and as a responsible Labour movement, we do not hesitate to commend progress where it is made.
4. However, Your Excellency, comradeship demands honesty.
Appreciation does not silence our responsibility to speak out on issues that weigh heavily on our members! Lives.
5. Your Excellency, despite your modest efforts, there are still critical concerns that require urgent government attention, which include:
The resumption of gratuity payments in both State and Local Government systems.
Full implementation of agreements with the Joint Unions of IBB University, Lapai.
Implementation of the new minimum pension and settlement of pension arrears.
Payment of peculiar allowances to State workers and teachers. Immediate payment of the approved wage award to teachers in the State.
Addressing the prolonged stagnation in promotions within the Local Government system since 2015.
Assent to the bills seeking upward review of retirement age for tertiary and health workers.
6. Your Excellency, these are not abstract demands they are the everyday realities of workers who have given their productive years in service to the state.
Addressing them is not just policy; it is justice.
7. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, This year’s theme “lnsecurity and Poverty:
The Bane of Decent Work” aims to inspire us all to stand united, recognising the shared struggles of our communities and the need for collective action.
8. Across our communities, insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods.
Farmers are afraid to go to their farms. Traders operate under uncertainty.
Workers deliver services daily with anxiety.
9. At the same time, the rising cost of living has placed enormous pressure on workers’ incomes.
Wages are shrinking in value, while basic needs are becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
The truth is simple:
A worker who lives in fear cannot be productive.
A worker trapped in poverty cannot be dignified.
10. Insecurity and poverty are not separate problems they reinforce each other.
And until they are tackled together, the dream of decent work will remain out of reach for many.
Therefore, Organised Labour calls for:
Strengthening of security architecture, including community-based approaches to safety.
A realistic and sustainable wage system that reflects current economic realities.
Continued investment in agriculture and local industries to generate employment.
Expansion of social protection programmes to support vulnerable workers.
11. Comrades, the Labour movement has always stood on the pillars of solidarity, justice, and collective struggle.
We remain committed to dialogue, but let it be clear we will continue to stand firm in defence of workers’ rights and welfare.
We shall not be passive in the face of neglect.
We shall not retreat when the dignity of labour is at stake.
We shall not refuse to commend the government when it has done well.
12. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our vision remains unwavering: a Niger State where workers are respected, where service is rewarded, where retirement comes with security, and where no worker lives in fear or deprivation.
13. Your Excellency, we believe in your leadership and trust that the concerns raised here today, such as the payment of wage awards and pension arrears, will be addressed with the urgency and transparency they deserve, including clear timelines and regular progress updates.
14. As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, let it not end with speeches alone let it ignite renewed commitment, concrete action, and measurable progress for the working people of Niger State.
Thank you all.
Aluta continua! Victoria, ascerta!
Long live the Nigeria Labour Congress!
Long live the Trade Union Congress!
Long live the working people of Niger State! And long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! And solidarity forever.
