Sanwo-Olu Hails Lagos Workers, Labour Decries Hardship, Unsafe Conditions
Korede Abdullah 
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised workers for sustaining the state’s economic engine, while labour leaders used the 2026 Workers’ Day to spotlight deepening hardship, insecurity and unsafe working conditions across Nigeria.
In a personally signed message delivered at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, on Friday Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving worker welfare and expanding opportunities for inclusive growth.
“From the early risers to those working late into the night, your effort and dedication are the backbone of our city,” he said.
The governor aligned his message with the 2026 May Day theme by the International Labour Organization, which focuses on ensuring a healthy psychosocial work environment.
However, labour leaders painted a starkly different reality.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, warned that worsening economic indicators—including inflation, insecurity and currency devaluation—are pushing workers deeper into hardship.
“About 90 per cent of jobs in Nigeria are in the informal sector,” Ajaero said, underscoring the vulnerability of the workforce.
Similarly, labour advocate Dominic Igwebike raised concerns about unsafe working conditions, particularly in the power sector.
“No worker should have to choose between earning a living and staying alive,” he said.
Development expert Toyin Olawunmi added that rising poverty and insecurity now pose significant risks to economic stability.
Despite government assurances, the subdued turnout at this year’s celebration reflected a growing disconnect between policy pledges and workers’ lived realities.
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Oluwatobi Adu 