The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, pledging sustained reforms, better remuneration and industrial harmony, as organised labour called for urgent, practical measures to tackle insecurity and rising poverty in Nigeria.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” the governor said his government would continue to prioritise the workforce through infrastructure development, workplace safety, regular training, and merit-based promotions across the public service.
Oyebanji noted that his administration had maintained prompt payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities, adding that no worker was owed promotion arrears. According to him, all outstanding promotions up to 2025 had been cleared with full financial backing.
He congratulated workers on the May Day celebration, describing them as central to governance and national development, and appreciated their continued support, which he said had contributed significantly to the success of his administration’s policies.
However, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Olatunde Kolapo, painted a grim picture of the country’s socio-economic realities, warning that worsening insecurity, deepening poverty and a failing power sector were undermining the dignity of labour and threatening national stability.
Kolapo described Nigeria’s security situation as dire, citing persistent kidnappings, killings and banditry across the country. He urged the Federal Government to move beyond rhetoric and adopt practical, results-driven strategies, including a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
He also lamented the rising cost of living, noting that the price of Premium Motor Spirit had surged to about ₦1,450 per litre in some areas, triggering increased transportation and service costs, with workers bearing the brunt.
Despite the concerns, the labour leader commended the Ekiti State Government for responding to workers’ demands, particularly the implementation of promotions up to 2025. He, however, appealed for further action in 2026, including approval of pending promotions, payment of leave bonuses and settlement of gratuities.
Kolapo also called for the empowerment of the Head of Civil Service to ensure seamless promotion exercises, stressing that such steps would boost morale and productivity.
Similarly, the Ekiti State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Omotola Farotimi, advocated community policing, improved protection of economic hubs such as farms and markets, and faster emergency response systems to strengthen security.
On economic reforms, Farotimi urged the adoption of a living wage, expansion of social protection programmes, improved access to credit for small businesses and market-driven skills development. She also stressed stricter enforcement of labour laws to prevent worker exploitation, warning that poor working conditions could further fuel instability.
