As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has praised Nigerian workers for their resilience and patriotism, while restating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to policies that prioritize worker welfare and long-term economic stability.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, sent to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS, Yilwatda described workers across all sectors as the “backbone of national progress,” noting that their sacrifices and diligence continue to drive the country’s development despite prevailing economic headwinds.
He particularly commended the endurance shown by the workforce amid ongoing reforms, saying their perseverance reflects the enduring strength and character of the Nigerian people. “The understanding and commitment demonstrated by Nigerian workers in the face of current economic realities is a testament to their faith in the Nigerian project,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman used the occasion to reassure workers that the Tinubu administration remains worker-friendly and fully aware of labour’s central role in nation-building. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to promoting policies and programmes that prioritize the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of the Nigerian workforce,” he stated.
Addressing concerns around the government’s economic direction, Yilwatda described the administration’s reforms as “critical and inevitable steps” needed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth. He listed the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange system, increased infrastructure investment, expansion of social intervention programmes, and renewed industrialization as core measures aimed at tackling structural weaknesses in the economy.
According to him, the reforms are designed to stimulate productivity, enhance economic stability, and attract both local and foreign investments that will expand employment and wealth creation. He acknowledged that the transition has come with short-term challenges but maintained that the government is rolling out targeted interventions to cushion the effects on vulnerable groups, including workers.
“These reforms are not punitive. They are designed to ensure that the gains of a stronger economy are broadly shared among Nigerians,” Yilwatda explained. “We recognize the sacrifices being made today, and we assure workers that they are not in vain.”
He expressed confidence that the ongoing adjustments would ultimately deliver a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economy. “The goal is to build an economy where hard work is rewarded, where jobs are created at scale, and where every Nigerian worker can live with dignity,” he said.
Yilwatda called on organised labour and workers across the country to remain steadfast and united in support of the nation’s development agenda. He stressed that collective effort and shared commitment were essential to achieving the Nigeria of citizens’ aspirations.
“On this Workers’ Day, we salute the men and women who keep our hospitals running, our classrooms active, our farms productive, and our industries moving. Nigeria works because you work,” he said.
The APC chairman urged workers to remain hopeful, noting that the administration was working to ensure that the benefits of reform reach every household. He added that the party would continue to engage labour unions constructively to address concerns and improve working conditions nationwide.
In his closing remarks, Yilwatda extended warm wishes to all Nigerian workers and to their families. “I wish every Nigerian worker a happy and fulfilling Workers’ Day celebration. May you find continued strength, progress, and prosperity in your labour,” the statement read.
The 2026 Workers’ Day celebration comes at a time when the Federal Government is pushing ahead with its Renewed Hope economic blueprint, which has seen sweeping fiscal and monetary policy shifts since 2023. While labour unions have at various times expressed concerns over inflation and cost of living, the government insists that the reforms are laying the foundation for long-term stability.
Thursday’s statement from the ruling party’s chairman signals an effort to reinforce dialogue with workers as the administration marks its third year in office. With negotiations on a new national minimum wage still ongoing, the APC’s message seeks to frame current pains as part of a necessary transition to a more productive economy.
Workers across the Federal Capital Territory marked the day with low-key rallies and solidarity marches, with many calling for faster implementation of palliatives and wage adjustments. Labour leaders who spoke at the Eagle Square event said they would continue to hold government accountable to its promises on welfare and job creation.
