The Labour Party (LP) has asked the federal government to intensify efforts to improve the welfare packages of workers amid rising inflationary pressure.
A statement on Friday by Ken Eluma Asogwa, LP’s national publicity secretary, said although the administration of Tinubu is taking steps to better workers’ welfare, more needs to be done to address rising inflationary pressures.
The party commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and their affiliate unions for their continued commitment to protecting workers’ rights and advancing the Nigerian project.
Similarly, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has commended workers for their efforts despite the “daunting” economic headwinds and rising cost of living.
A statement by Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s national publicity secretary, noted that workers were struggling with inflation, high transportation and energy costs, and stagnant wages that have failed to keep pace with living expenses
“The average Nigerian worker is currently navigating unprecedented inflationary pressures on food and essential services. The high cost of transportation and energy. A widening gap between stagnant wages and the skyrocketing cost of survival,” the statement reads.
“Your ability to remain productive and hopeful in the face of these challenges is a testament to the indomitable Nigerian spirit. However, the NNPP believes that resilience should not be a substitute for prosperity. You deserve a country that works as hard for you as you do for it.”
The party, however, called on workers to leverage their collective strength by becoming more politically engaged in the electoral process.
The party urged Nigerians to support leaders who prioritise improved welfare, including a living wage, reduced cost of living, and investments in social infrastructure.
“As we move further into this critical electoral cycle, the NNPP urges every worker, from the civil servant in the city to the laborer in the field, to recognize their collective power,” the statement added.
“To transform the standard of living in Nigeria, workers must move beyond mere survival and embrace political organization.
“We must ensure that the next crop of representatives and leaders are individuals who: Prioritize a living wage over a minimum wage. Implement policies that drastically reduce the cost of living. Invest in social safety nets and infrastructure that ease the burden on the common man.”
