At this year’s May Day celebration in Asaba, Delta State workers sent a strong message to government authorities: enforce labour laws or risk further decline in workers’ wellbeing. Speaking at the Cenotaph event, labour leaders under the NLC and TUC called for decisive action against systemic exploitation, wage theft, and unsafe work conditions.
The joint statement by Comrades Goodluck Ofobruku and Martins Bolum criticized the lack of protections for workers and the growing economic instability affecting Nigerian households. “Our rights must not only exist on paper,” the leaders insisted. “There must be active enforcement to make sure employers are held responsible.”
The labour unions advocated for robust social protections such as food relief, unemployment coverage, and healthcare programmes to cushion the impact of the ongoing economic hardship. “Expanding the social safety net is not just a necessity—it’s a moral obligation,” they said.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, standing in for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledged workers’ sacrifices and contributions. “You are the driving force of progress,” he stated, encouraging continued collaboration between the government and the workforce.
Governor Oborevwori’s address focused on using the May Day celebration as a time of reflection and recommitment. Citing the day’s theme, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship’, he encouraged workers to keep advocating for their rights and participating in democratic processes.
Highlighting achievements of the M.O.R.E Agenda, the governor mentioned timely salary payments, pension clearance, worker training, and improved infrastructure. He noted that youth-focused entrepreneurship programmes were yielding tangible results through increased self-employment and local business growth.
A key announcement was the launch of a whistle-blower policy aimed at promoting transparency. According to the governor, the new measure would empower employees to safely report corruption, ensuring that public funds serve their intended purpose.
As May Day 2025 drew to a close, Delta workers remained united in their demand for a better deal—one that moves beyond celebrations to actionable protections and economic justice.
