The House of Representatives on Workers Day celebrates and honours every worker for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria.
As the world commemorates International Labour Day 2024, which is marked on May 1st, the Nigeria House of Representatives celebrates and honours Nigerian workers for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria.
This was revealed in a statement jointly signed by Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. House Spokesman/Chairman, House Committee on Media & Public Affairs.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, in his address marking the 2024 Workers’ Day, charged workers to embrace patriotism and dedication to our fatherland, assuring them of better welfare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Abbas said “In the decades preceding our independence, and in the fight for the entrenchment of democracy, the contributions of the labour movement and indeed, the Nigerian worker are replete in our history books. With zeal and resilience, you continue to make sacrifices for our progress so far.”
Describing President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s policies and programmes as initiatives geared towards creating more jobs and reducing unemployment rates, Speaker Abbas also tasked Organised Labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to prioritise negotiations and dialogue with the government on any issue affecting them.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, notes that this year’s theme underscores the urgency of addressing climate change’s impacts on occupational safety, and health, and the necessity of safer work environments. Thus, in line with this year’s theme; “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” the Green Chamber will continue to make contributions towards ensuring a safer and healthier working environment for Nigerian workers.
He highlighted the legislative efforts of the 10th House of Representatives, which is already seen in prioritised labour-related bills as seen in the expedited consideration given to the 2023 Supplementary Budget with provision for wage awards to workers as a measure to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal.
Furthermore, he outlined the House’s legislative agendas, particularly Agenda 4 focusing on Economic Growth and Development, which emphasizes collaboration with the Executive and labour organizations to modernize labour laws. Agenda 8, centred on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, underscores the House’s commitment to addressing factors impacting the economy and the well-being of Nigerians.
Kalu reiterated that “The People’s House remains focused on our drive to promote the welfare, respect and dignity of Nigerian workers on whose hard work, innovation, resilience and patriotism; our country progresses. We also reaffirm our commitment to curbing harmful labour practices and exploitation of the Nigerian worker through our vibrant public petitions system and strengthened oversight.”
“Happy Workers’ Day to all who toil endlessly, to advance our country and its economy,” Kalu added.
