The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has lauded Nigerian workers for their determination and commitment amid the country’s challenges.
Obi decried the high unemployment rate in Nigeria and urged the government to create more job opportunities.
He also stressed the need to invest in education and healthcare to reduce criminality and poverty.
He made these remarks in commemoration of the 2025 International Workers’ Day on Thursday.
“On this International Workers’ Day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our Nigerian workers, whose unwavering commitment and immense contributions drive our nation’s growth and development.
“A day like this offers us the opportunity to appreciate every Nigerian worker at different levels of government, across different agencies, private industries and business sectors – your legitimate labours form the energy that propels our nation.
“The struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges, are obvious. Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth.
“Notwithstanding, the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and youth unemployment and under-employmemt rate of over 45% which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices,” Obi stated.
According to him, aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging the shortage of well-trained workers and transitioning Nigeria from consumption to production.
He maintained that this can be achieved by investing in education, healthcare, and combatting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses.
“As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognise the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to moving the nation from consumption to production. We remain committed to our struggle to create a society that recognises and rewards productivity, integrity, and honest labour,” the politician said.
He added: “Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future, where every worker can thrive and where their talents and skills will match their opportunities in life.”
