May Day: How We Do It In Nigeria

By Benedicta Baasey, Abiodun Saheed & Adeniyi Samuel 

Nigerians celebrate Workers' Day on May 1st of every year. It is a national public holiday to commemorate the struggles and gains of the working class. The day is marked with parades, speeches, and other activities to honor the contributions of workers to the country's development.

This year's Workers' Day celebration falls on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. It's a day to recognize the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers, and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

If you're in Nigeria, you can expect to see parades, rallies, and other events organized by labor unions, government agencies, and other organizations. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and to push for better working conditions, fair wages, and social justice.

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is a time-honored occasion that brings to light the importance of labor rights, solidarity among workers, and the ongoing fight for fair treatment and equality in the workplace. 

As employees around the world commemorate this significant day, it prompts reflection on what they expect from their employers and governments in terms of recognition, support, and advocacy for workers' rights.

Employees look to their employers for more than just a paycheck, they seek acknowledgment, appreciation, and support for their hard work and dedication. 

On May Day, employees expect their employers to recognize and celebrate their contributions to the success of the organization. This can be as simple as a heartfelt thank-you message, a token of appreciation, or a special gesture such as a bonus or extra day off.

Employees anticipate that their employers will prioritize their well-being by promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing opportunities for professional growth and development, and fostering a positive work culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and employee well-being. By creating a supportive and nurturing work environment, employers can empower their workforce and foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees.

Employees also look to the government to uphold and protect their rights, advocate for fair labor practices, and implement policies that safeguard their well-being. On May Day, workers expect the government to address critical issues such as labor rights violations, workplace safety concerns, fair wages, and equal opportunities for all workers.

Employees seek government support in ensuring the enforcement of labor laws, regulations, and standards that protect workers from exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.

They also anticipate that the government will advocate for social security protections, unemployment benefits, and healthcare coverage to safeguard the economic security and welfare of workers.

Employees look to the government to champion labor unions and collective bargaining efforts that empower workers to negotiate for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. By supporting workers' rights to organize and advocate for their interests, the government can play a crucial role in promoting social justice, equality, and dignity in the workplace.

Celebrating Workers' Day (or Labor Day) during a period of economic downturn can present a unique perspective on the importance of workers' rights and economic stability. It can serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by workers and the need for support during tough times.

In such situations, the focus might shift towards advocating for better labor conditions, fair wages, and job security. The celebration could be a call to action for policymakers and employers to prioritize workers' well-being and provide necessary support to mitigate the impact of economic hardships.

It's also an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of workers, highlighting their role in driving economic recovery and sustaining communities despite adverse conditions. Celebrations might include discussions, seminars, or campaigns centered around these themes, emphasizing solidarity and the need for inclusive economic policies.

Mr. Tolu Adekunle, an Information Officer at Ayobo Ipaja Local government said May Day represents a day of honoring and acknowledging the contributions of workers around the world. 

He said "it symbolises solidarity, unity, and the ongoing fight for workers' rights and social justice."

Adekunle explained that the day is unique as it serves as a reminder of the progress made in labor movements and the need to continue advocating for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all workers. 

He stressed that May Day is a day to recognize the power of collective action and the resilience of workers in striving for a better and more just society.

As a civil servant in Lagos state, Adekunle said his expectations from government would be a recognition for hard work.

According to him, "government should recognise and appreciate hard work and dedication throughout the year. It could be a form of a simple thank you message, a token of appreciation, or even a bonus as a gesture of gratitude."

"Government should prioritise worker well-being, offer opportunities for professional development, and promote a positive work culture that values their contributions," Adekunle added.

He called on the government to protect the right of workers even as he advocates for workplace policies that would boost safe working conditions, fair wages, and equal opportunities for all. 

He identified issues such as labor rights violations, workplace safety concerns, unemployment challenges, and social security protections as major factors government needed to give priority.

For Mrs Adeyemi Nurat, a Senior Staff at Lagos State University said, many civil servants expect their employers to recognize their tireless efforts and contributions to public service. "Simple gestures such as incentives to honor their hard work are highly valued by civil servants who often go above and beyond to fulfill their duties to the public."

She noted that With the demanding nature of public service roles, civil servants seek understanding and support from their employers to navigate challenges effectively and deliver quality services to the community.

Nurat, calls for more government:s role in ensuring fair treatment, respect, and adequate resources for public sector employees to carry out their duties effectively.

"The government should implement policies that protect workers' rights, promote workplace safety, ensure fair wages and benefits, and provide opportunities for professional development and advancement in the public sector. "

A Self-employed workers who simply identified himself as Bolaji, said on May Day, "Workers' expect timely payments, clear communication, and mutual respect in their professional relationships with clients. Transparent agreements, fair compensation, and opportunities for growth and collaboration are key factors that self-employed workers value in their interactions with clients."

He said as a self-employed person, " I look to the government to address policy issues, provide support, and advocate for our rights as independent contributors to the economy. 

He called on government to create a  conducive environment for entrepreneurship to promote innovation, and economic empowerment.

Similarly, Oghene Mairo, a Youtuber and Podcaster said May Day symbolises a day set aside for workers' recognition for their hard work and contributions to the company's growth. In the form of allowances or other special treats.

For Ayo Tayo, a Senior Content Specialist, Phoenix Nigeria said the day is significant for the role workers played in the economy and society. 

He affirmed that employers should appreciate the effort and hard work of their employees through incentives

Falansa Abayomi, a Digital Product Manager, BNN BReaking sees worker's day as a day to appreciate the efforts of workers for nation building. 

He urged the government to implement  several intervention programs, and make life easy for workers through policies formation.