The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Ebonyi State councils, have decried rising insecurity and deepening poverty in the country, warning that the twin challenges are undermining decent work and threatening the dignity of Nigerian workers.
Delivering a joint address at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogugua Egwu, said prevailing socio-economic conditions have made decent work increasingly unattainable for many workers.
In the address, jointly signed by Comrade Ogugua Egwu, Chairman, NLC Ebonyi State, and Comrade Chidi Igboji, Chairman, TUC Ebonyi State, the labour unions noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” aptly reflects the harsh realities confronting workers across the country.
The labour leaders maintained that insecurity continues to disrupt economic activities, discourage investment and reduce productivity, as workers, farmers and traders operate under constant fear.
“A worker who is afraid cannot work with confidence. A nation where workers are not safe cannot grow,” the unions stated.
They also described poverty as a “silent violence” against workers, citing rising inflation, high cost of living, fuel price increases and stagnant wages, which they said have pushed many workers into “working poverty.”
“Today, many Nigerian workers earn wages that cannot feed their families and retire into poverty after decades of service,” the statement read, adding that the situation weakens collective bargaining and erodes labour rights."
While stressing that government at all levels bears primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment for decent work, the unions called for urgent measures, including improved security, job creation, implementation of a living wage and expansion of social protection schemes.
The labour bodies, however, commended the Ebonyi State Government for what they described as notable strides in improving security and workers’ welfare, including the payment of a ₦90,000 minimum wage and annual bonuses to civil servants.
They also acknowledged ongoing investments in agriculture, industrialisation and human capital development, including scholarship programmes for Ebonyi indigenes.
Despite the commendations, the unions raised concerns over unresolved labour issues in the state, including non-implementation of approved salary structures in some institutions, poor pension conditions for retirees, and delayed promotions and career progression for civil servants.
They specifically called for government intervention in the payment of outstanding entitlements to retirees, adjustment of pensions to reflect current economic realities, and improved remuneration for health workers and judiciary staff.
The unions further urged the state government to complete ongoing housing projects, upgrade office infrastructure, and address challenges affecting workers in tertiary institutions and other public establishments.
They also called for a renewed social contract that places workers at the centre of national development, stressing that no country can achieve sustainable growth with an impoverished and insecure workforce.
“Insecurity and poverty are enemies of decent work, but they are defeatable,” the unions stated, reaffirming the resilience and patriotism of Nigerian workers.
