Dare Babalola
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has commended Nigerian workers for their sacrifices and resilience, while expressing confidence that the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu would deliver long-term prosperity.
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, Yilwatda congratulated workers across the public and private sectors, describing them as the driving force behind Nigeria’s growth and development.
“Today, as we commemorate Workers’ Day, I extend my warmest felicitations to all Nigerian workers across the public and private sectors, men and women whose daily sacrifices, commitment, and patriotism continue to sustain the engine of our nation’s growth and development,” he said.
He praised workers for their perseverance despite prevailing economic challenges, noting that their dedication reflected the enduring Nigerian spirit.
“This day is a fitting moment to recognize and deeply appreciate your resilience, perseverance, and understanding, especially in the face of evolving economic realities. Your steadfast dedication, even in challenging times, reflects the true Nigerian spirit, strong, hopeful, and forward-looking,” he stated.
Yilwatda reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remained committed to the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers, stressing that no meaningful development could occur without prioritising labour.
“As we celebrate you, I wish to reaffirm that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of Nigerian workers. This is a worker-friendly administration that understands that no meaningful national development can take place without prioritizing the wellbeing of its workforce,” he said.
He defended the government’s ongoing economic reforms, saying measures such as fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, infrastructure investments, expanded social safety nets and renewed industrialisation were necessary to address structural imbalances.
“The ongoing economic reforms, though demanding, are necessary steps toward building a more stable, productive, and inclusive economy. These reforms are not ends in themselves, but strategic pathways to long-term national prosperity,” Yilwatda said.
According to him, the policies were designed to boost productivity, attract investments, create jobs and improve the quality of life for citizens, especially workers.
“These measures are designed to stimulate productivity, attract investment, create jobs, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, especially workers,” he added.
He acknowledged that the transition period may pose temporary difficulties but assured workers that government was taking steps to cushion the impact while creating new opportunities.
“Let me assure you that your sacrifices are not in vain. The government remains attentive to your concerns and is working tirelessly to cushion the impact of reforms while opening up new opportunities for prosperity and advancement,” he said.
Yilwatda urged Nigerian workers to remain hopeful and united, expressing confidence that the country would emerge stronger and more resilient.
“Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria where hard work is rewarded, and every citizen has a fair chance to succeed,” he said.
